Stainless steel plating is a process used to coat stainless steel with a protective layer. This layer can protect the steel from corrosion, abrasion, and wear. It also improves the look of the stainless steel surface, making it more aesthetically pleasing. Let’s take a closer look at how this process works.
Plating Process
There are several steps involved in the stainless steel plating process. First, all dirt, grease, and other debris must be removed from the surface to ensure that all areas are covered during the plating process. The surface is then treated with an acid solution to help prepare it for plating. After this step is complete, an electroplating bath is set up so that electricity can be used to plate the metal.
The next step involves submerging the stainless steel into a bath of nickel sulfate or zinc sulfate so that it can be electroplated with nickel or zinc. During this step, a current is passed through both the metal being plated and an electrode in order to provide a uniform coating over all areas of the metal surface. Once this step is complete, any excess metal must be removed from the surface before it goes on to post-treatment processes, such as passivation or chromate conversion coating.
Finally, once all post-treatment processes are complete, any remaining products, such as sealants or lubricants, can be applied to help prolong the life of the coated stainless steel piece.
Surface Preparation
The first step in the stainless steel plating process is surface preparation. The surface of the metal must be cleaned and free of all dirt, grease, and other contaminants. This can be done with a variety of chemicals, such as trichloroethylene or hydrochloric acid.
Plating Bath
Once the surface is prepared, it is time to set up the plating bath. The plating bath contains a solution of sulfuric acid and chromic acid, which will be used to deposit the chromium onto the metal surface. The temperature of the solution must be carefully controlled, as too high of a temperature can damage the metal.
Deposition
Once the plating bath is prepared, the metal can be placed into the solution. An electric current is passed through the solution, which causes the chromium to be deposited onto the metal surface. The thickness of the chromium layer can be controlled by adjusting the current density or plating time.
Post-Treatment
After the desired thickness of chromium has been deposited onto the metal surface, it is time for post-treatment. This involves removing any excess chromium from the surface and passivating the chromium layer. Passivation is a process that helps to prevent corrosion of the chromium layer by forming a protective oxide film on its surface.
Inspection
The final step in the stainless steel plating process is inspection. The chrome-plated part must be inspected for defects, such as pits or cracks in the chrome layer. Once any defects have been found and repaired, the part is ready for use.
Conclusion:
Stainless steel plating is an important process for business owners and manufacturers who need to protect their valuable equipment from corrosion and wear-and-tear damage. The process involves several steps such as cleaning and removing debris from surfaces, treating surfaces with acid solutions, submerging them in electroplating baths for uniform coverage, and applying sealants or lubricants after post-treatment processes have been completed—all designed to give you durable protection for your investment in stainless steel products. With careful attention paid to each step of the process, you can rest assured that your stainless steel pieces will remain strong and resistant against corrosion and wear over time!
Meet Heer, a dynamic and driven writer learning tricks of her trade in the metal industry. With a background in Digital Marketing, Heer brings a unique perspective to her writing, sharing valuable insights. Apart from blogging she like reading and hiking.
