OVERVIEW OF GALVANIZING?
Galvanizing is one of the most widely used methods for protecting iron or steel from corrosion. It involves applying a thin coating of zinc to a thicker base metal, helping to shield it from the surrounding environment. Hence, galvanizing us the process of applying a protective zinc coating to steel or other materials to prevent rusting and reduction in physical aesthetics. There are several ways of galvanizing steel, however, electroplating will be discussed here.
ELECTROPLATING TECHNOLOGY
Electroplating is the application of a metal coating to a metal/steel which involves using an electric current to coat an electrode in dissolved metal cations. It is one of the highest quality procedures for achieving durable, even coats on metal substrates.
Electroplating is done by immersing the object and a bar of metal in a solution containing metal ions. Electric currents or charges is then applied; the positive goes to the metal and the negative goes to the steel/object to be plated.
The metal bar dissolves in the solution and plates out on the object forming a thin but durable coating of metal. It is often used to plate objects before decoration or to stop corrosion.
WHY NEED TO ELECTROPLATE?
Quite simply, electroplating a meal gives it anti-corrosion properties. Without the protective zinc coating, the metal /steel would remain exposed to saline elements and potentially oxide and corrode faster. Electroplating is a cost-effective alternative instead of using stainless steel or just ordinary painting.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Electroplating can protect metals in a number of ways. Firstly, it creates a protective coating that shields the metal from surrounding hazardous elements. The layer of zinc prevents water, moisture and other elements in the air from corroding the steel or material underneath.
Electroplating can also protect metal through a process called “galvanic corrosion”. Galvanic corrosion occurs when two metals of different electrochemical makeup are placed into contact with one another with an electrolyte present, such as saline/ salty water. Depending on the atomic structure of the two metals, one metal is the anode and the other is the cathode. The anode corrodes at a slower pace than it would by itself.
The reason zinc is used for galvanizing/electroplating is that it has an affinity towards being the anode when in contact with many different types of metals. Since the zinc coating in contact with the base metal is usually the anode, it slows the corrosion of the base metal/ steel or the cathode.
BENEFITS OF ELECTROPLATING
Electroplating has a wide range of applications to improve the steel or material that is being plated.
- Forms a protective barrier which protects steel against harmful atmospheric conditions and saline water/breeze and lasts longer under extreme conditions.
- Enhances appearance using precious metals to make steel more lustrous, attractive and aesthetically appealing.
- Increases hardness and rigidity, thereby making brittle materials stronger, more durable and less susceptible to damage, hence, increasing their lifespan.
- Increases thickness of steel materials through the plated zinc coating on electroplated materials.
- Prevent tarnishing thereby reduce the likelihood of scratching and retain their attractiveness, thereby holding their value over time.
- Promotes adhesion which provides an undercoating that facilitates adhesion with additional coatings like paints. Hence, providing smooth and uniform surface finishing.
- Electroplating resists heat which makes plating processes like gold capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures which can increase their lifespan.
- Electroplating reduces buildup of friction in certain materials thereby improving performance and reduces premature wear and tear.
TYPES OF ELECTROPLATING
We at Nigeria Galvanizing Industry carry out different types of plating services to suit our customer’s needs. Our baths are long enough to accommodate your materials for electroplating.
- Gold plating
- Chrome plating
- Barel plating
- Zinc plating
WHERE IS ELECTROPLATING NEEDED?
The electroplating technology is vital in almost every sector. Some are:
- The telecommunication sector using Mast for communication
- Telecommunication servicing companies
- The fabrication industry
- The construction industry
- Oil and gas industry
- Refineries
- Machine tools industry
- Hydraulic equipment
- The steel markets
- And everyone who needs long-lasting and fine finishing on their steel or materials.
More so, companies that are on high-risk areas in the offshore area of the country, need our galvanizing touch.
ELECTROPLATING VERSUS ORDINARY PAINTING
Electroplating as earlier discussed is attaching a layer of metal to the surface of another base metal like steel. The plating is chemically bonded to the surface of the base metal through electric conduction. Therefore, electroplating offers a much stronger finishing than paint and chemically bonds the coating to the metal. While
On the other hand, painting is the practice of applying paint pigment or color to a solid surface. Paint, however, is not as durable as electroplating and can wear off within a short period of time.
Furthermore, because the paint is applied as a liquid, it can take many applications to ensure a finishing of even thickness and color.
As contrasted above, ELECTROPLATING is the best finishing and coating method to provide long-lasting, attractive and durable metals or materials.