Название: Electroplating (Crowood Metalworking Guides)
Автор: Dan Hanson
Издательство: Crowood Press
Год: 2019
Страниц: 272
Язык: английский
Формат: epub
Размер: 21.0 MB

Electroplating in the home workshop can seem a daunting task due to the range of chemicals, the unfamiliar processes and the underlying chemistry involved. However, the results of a well-cleaned item and a well-maintained electrolyte are overwhelmingly impressive and, compared to sending parts to be industrially electroplated, are very cost effective. The practical advice given in Electroplating will provide you with the confidence and ability to create an electroplating tank of your own. This book will guide you through each of the processes and the equipment needed to start your own plating system, the history and scientific basics of the electroplating process, and safety information including personal safety and the correct disposal of chemicals. The processes are superbly illustrated by detailed step-by-step photographs, 265 colour photographs, and 21 diagrams which provide instructions on their most effective use.

While many forms of electroplating exist, this book will focus on tank plating. This process can be scaled to meet the needs of large industries or to be performed on a bench in a workshop, making it ideal for the DIY enthusiast looking to restore worn and rusted parts of an old motorcycle, or to small batch jewellery manufacturers. In fact, there are countless applications in which electroplating can be employed. The earliest experiment into electroplating was performed as early as the late 1700s, where an Italian scientist plated gold onto two silver disks. Chapter 1 will cover the development of the history of electroplating as well as covering the scientific principles that underpin the process; the movement of charged particles through the system.

There are numerous formulations of electroplating electrolyte and the most common of these will be covered in Chapter The most common and the most functional electrolyte is that of Watts nickel. It is an acidic solution containing nickel salts in the form of nickel chloride and nickel sulphate, with the addition of boric acid and a few other additives to aid with the brightness and uniformity of the plated nickel deposits. This nickel solution has many different variations for many specific applications. In many circumstances, more than one metal layer will be deposited onto an object. Multilayer plating is common in engineering applications or in the conservation of precious metals for the creation of jewellery. An ideal metal for an underplate is copper. Not only is an acid copper electrolyte cost-effective, it has great throwing power and conductivity, meaning that it can fill in imperfections and create an appealing finish. Copper also has great mechanical properties, ductility and thermal and electrical conductivity, making it more appealing. An electrolyte that is used a lot in the restoration of fastenings and other mechanical components is zinc. This is a favourite among home electroplaters. Its cost-effectiveness combined with its ability to give a range of finishes and the ease of use make it an ideal starting point for any electroplating enthusiast.