sähköpinnoitukseen

Sähköpinnoitus, also known as electroplating, is an electrochemical process used to deposit a thin layer of metal onto a substrate. This coating is typically achieved by immersing the object to be plated, acting as the cathode, in an electrolyte solution containing ions of the plating metal. An anode, also made of the plating metal or an inert material, is placed in the same solution. When an electric current is passed through the circuit, metal ions from the electrolyte are attracted to the cathode and deposit onto its surface, forming a uniform and adherent coating.

The primary purposes of sähköpinnoitus include enhancing the aesthetic appearance of objects, improving corrosion resistance, increasing hardness and wear resistance, and providing electrical conductivity. Different metals can be electroplated, such as chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, silver, and gold, each offering unique properties. The thickness of the deposited layer can be precisely controlled by adjusting factors like current density, plating time, and electrolyte composition.

The sähköpinnoitus process requires careful control of several parameters to ensure a high-quality coating. These include the concentration of metal ions in the electrolyte, the pH of the solution, the temperature, and the current density. Impurities in the electrolyte can lead to defects in the plated layer, such as porosity or poor adhesion. After plating, the coated object is typically rinsed and may undergo further treatments like passivation or drying. Sähköpinnoitus is widely used in industries like automotive, electronics, jewelry, and hardware.