A step by step guide to zinc electroplating process

A Step By Step Guide To Zinc Electroplating Process Summary: ​Protecting the industrial metals in bulk have never been easy before. But you should maintain the process.

India is a developing country and to cope up with the developmental disabilities and rise each day; the industrial needs should be met. The iron is the most used raw material in any industry dealing with the metals. However, the most important character of the metal is the biggest threat to industrialists. Rusting! When the iron comes in contact with the constant air, water, and moisture, the layer of orange corrosion is formed and is known as rust.

However, while dealing with the iron in bulk, no industry can afford to rust of the iron, as it takes away all the necessary strength and character of the iron. Electroplating is the chemical process commonly used method to stop the iron from direct exposure to the atmosphere. Here is a detailed guide to help you learn about the process thoroughly. ● Cleaning the raw metal-​ Any process that includes applying a coat of protection on the metal starts with the cleaning process. The cleaning is thoroughly carried out at different levels in order to avoid contamination while electroplating. The cleaning process starts with the simple step of soaking the metal in a solution of alkaline detergent for straight 10-15 minutes. Next comes heating the metal at a moderate temperature of 150 ° Fahrenheit.

Once the initial cleaning is completed, the Electrocleaning is done to make sure the metal is safe at the microscopic level. The metal is put into a chemical solution, and then electricity is passed through the positive and negative ends of the metal, which releases hydrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere, cleaning the metal thoroughly. ● Activation-​ The activation process is the second step to the electroplating process. The metal is kept submerged into the highly acidic solution of hydrochloric acid or sulphuric acid in order to remove the layers of scales formed during the manufacturing of the substrate itself. The activation process is also known as the pickling process. The dipping time, the strength of the acid and temperature of the acid in the activation process is regulated, keeping in mind the thickness of the scale formed on the substrate. The electroplating chemical suppliers​ provide you with such a solution necessary to carry out the process.

● Plating solution-​ Completion if the pickling is followed by the preparation of the plating liquid. The acidic bath is prepared using the ionic zinc solution and other necessary chemicals that helps in the formation of the layer of zinc on the substrate. The Acidic Zinc bath is a super fast process of forming the zinc layer on the substrate with the shortcomings of poor thickness distribution. On the other hand, the Alkaline Zinc solution is an efficient and slow process of the bath which however form an even zinc distribution and ductility. ● The electroplating- ​After several steps of cleaning and bathing, the substrate is finally ready for the zinc electroplating process. The two most commonly used process is the Rack plating and Barrel plating. While focusing on larger pieces of substrate to be plated, the rack plating process is used. In the rack plating process, the substrate is adjusted on a metal rack and then immersed in the zinc plating bath. The barrel electroplating deals with smaller pieces of substrate. The pieces are put into a barrel which keeps on rotating for even distribution of the zinc layer. Electricity is then passed at a certain temperature in order to help the formation of zinc ions and finally, deposition of the same on the substrate. ● Drying​- Once the electroplating process is completed, the final step of cleaning and drying the final product is processed. The final product is thoroughly cleaned with water to ensure the removal of any dirt on the substrate.

The electroplating chemical manufacturers, besides providing the necessary solutions to carry out the electroplating process, also helps guide you with the necessary precautions to be taken while handling the particular chemicals and solutions. It is highly recommended to look for certified and licensed professionals to help you guide through the process of electroplating.

The electroplating is a boon to the industrial houses. The steps should also be followed in a particular order, and each factor affecting the chemical process should be regulated properly.

Resource box: ​You should take the help of a professional in terms of maintaining the electroplating process or electroplating chemical manufacturers​ ​such as ​Grauer & Weil India Limited​, ​are there to help you as well.