Corrosion is not a pleasant and not always human-controlled process. Situations when it is necessary to take urgent measures to eliminate corrosive formations and prevent their further formation are by no means uncommon. For this purpose, as well as to protect the surface of metal products, galvanic coating is used.
The manufacture of such a coating involves the process of exposure to an electric current on a metal salt solution, as a result of which it is released.
It should be noted that the performance characteristics of finished products directly depend on the quality of the electroplating that was applied.
What are the types of electroplating?
Coverage is conventionally classified into:
- electrolytic coatings with protection function;
- coatings that perform a protective and decorative function;
- coatings for special purposes.
Depending on what kind of protective mechanism the coating carries, they are divided into anodic and cathodic ones.
Electroplated coatings: main advantages
Coating involves electrodeposition of the product, which in turn has the following advantages:
- with the help of such coatings it is very convenient to adjust the thickness of the protective layer;
- thanks to electrodeposition, it becomes possible to apply metals such as silver, platinum, copper and chromium;
- the protective properties of the coating ensure the insulation of the product from the aggressive external environment;
- Electrodeposition allows significant savings in the use of non-ferrous metals.
It is important to know that the application of electroplating may lead to a slight increase in the surface roughness of the product. Also, the coating significantly affects the physical and mechanical properties of the base metal. For example, electroplating in tandem with high-strength steel can lead to damage and cracking.
