Electroplating is a type of metal finishing that uses an electrical current to reduce dissolved metal cations (an ion with fewer protons than electrons, giving it a positive charge). The electrodes are coated with metal, and used for protection, appearance, lubrication, or to increase thickness. If you’re thinking of electroplating your raw material, consider the following points before taking the leap. 

Design considerations for Electroplating

Base Materials and Tolerance

All metals can be electroplated, including gold, silver, tin, and nickel. Each metal has a different thickness and tolerance, which determines if it needs a pre-stress bake or post-stress bake. Electroplating services will account for anodized coating, so leave it to the professionals.

Welds, Jigging, and Airlocks

Adding drainage holes to metal can prevent the damage done by airlocks, jigging, and incorrect welds. If your piece of metal has dents, scratches, or air holes, it will accentuate them and could potentially ruin electroplating. 

What to Include in Product Blueprints

Design Process for Metal

Before submitting your master copy of your blueprint, you’ll need to make sure your piece of metal is ready for electroplating. When you’re designing your metal, ask yourself these questions.

• Can my design accommodate the plating thickness?

• Is my design free of sharp corners, holes, and recesses? If not, sand the inside and the outside of your metal until smooth.

• Are the geometries complex or simple?

• What is the weight of your metal? If it’s over 50 pounds, you should consider adding additional threading holes for lifting.

• How complicated is my metal? Should I reduce it? Reducing complexity will speed up the process of metal finishing.

Essential Information for Blueprint

Any metal finishing should come with a blueprint. Make sure to add the following things to your design before submitting it to the professional.

• Harness and material type

• Thickness of plating

• Plating reference

• Highlighted sketch of desired plating spot

• Precision plating?

• Over plating? Consider post work like grinding, machining, and polishing

• Surface finish

• Object weight

Although all of this information may not be necessary, it’s better to put all of this information in the blueprint to speed up the process of electroplating.

Does your piece of sheet metal, or ductwork require chrome plating or nickel plating? Porter-Guertin Co. out of Cincinnati, Ohio, are experts when it comes to protecting, repairing, and polishing metal parts. They also deliver your finished product directly to your door. Visit their website to learn more about their delivery services and pricing, or call (513) 241-7663 to speak to their experts.