Question

Methodology of electroplating

Answer 1

Electroplating: An External Electrical Current

In a very simplistic example, electroplatingElectrolplating bath consists of an anode (positive charge) and a cathode (negative charge) that are each immersed in a solution.

For example, if the anode is made of nickel and the cathode is a copper part, then when a current is applied, positively charged ions (small pieces of metal) from the anode flow through the solution to the cathode and attach themselves to the part, producing a layer of nickel on the part.

Photo: Electroplating Bath

Electroplating Is A Complex Process

In actuality, the electroplating process is far more complex with additional reactions taking place at the anode and cathode. The solution chemistry is very complicated and the nature of the current used is very important. The concept, however, is that by making the part the cathode in an electrical circuit, positive metal ions are attracted to the cathode and deposited (plated) onto the surface.