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Electroplating metals questions
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What are two practical uses of electroplating and why do we electroplate metals. What are electroplated metals used for. NAFATEERI PHAROH- Guyana ++ Hi, Nafateeri. There are a half dozen different electroplated metals just in the computer you just typed your question into -- including copper, nickel, tin, and gold, and usually some silver, palladium, and chromium. Some of this electroplating is used for carrying current, some is for corrosion resistance, and some for decorative purposes. So two practical uses for electroplated metals are to allow you to play video games and post your homework questions :-) There's a starting point, and there are hundreds of other uses. You could continue your research at the library. Good luck!
++++ can you please tell me of some specific applications for engineering in regards to electroplating? josh m- little rock, arkansas |
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There are countless examples, Josh M --
- Some alloys can be created only through electroplating rather than by mixing molten metals.
- Components of certain types like ultrafine screening and hollow gold jewelry can only be made by electroplating.
- Electroplating also allows us to make parts of strong flexible materials like steel, while having surfaces of hard brittle materials like chromium or nickel-diamond composites so that we can have molds and cutting tools and machine parts and truck bumpers that will wear well while not being subject to fracturing.
Take these terms and concepts to the library and see what you can dig up. Good luck!
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 Ted Mooney, P.E. finishing.com Brick, New Jersey |
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Hi, my name is Josh from Hollister Ca. and I was just wondering what are some benefits of electroplating an item with a metal?
Josh FStudent - California
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Hello, Josh F. Please try to phrase your question in a way that demonstrates that you are at least trying by reading the answers already provided on this page, rather than requesting to be spoon fed with a spoon that is strong and inexpensive but safe and not metallic tasting due to its silver plating. Thanks!
October 13, 2008 I am a senior student from the Bahamas, wondering if you would be able to give me a detailed list of apparatus required to copper plate an object. I've found bits and pieces, including some on this website, but things such as how much vinegar to use, how much salt, etc, are not specified. I would appreciate this information, as it will allow me to complete a chemistry project. Treat J.student - Bahamas October 16, 2008 Hi, Treat. We give you a good idea on this stuff in our FAQ: "How Electroplating Works". You should use full strength vinegar (it's already a very mild acid, no sense in further diluting it). Add just a pinch of salt (we explain why in the FAQ). But remember that this demo is just to demonstrate the principal; it isn't really a practical way to electroplate (practical electroplating usually requires proprietary and/or toxic chemicals). Regards,
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September 25, 2010
Dear Sir
Please can you let me know what benefits there are to electoplating copper over actually using a solid copper product. I appreciate steel coated in copper will be stronger but this is not really a factor where I am wanting to use this product. Any advice you can give would be great
Thanks
Gavin
- Qatar
September 27, 2010
Hi, Gavin
Steel is much less expensive than copper, so copper plated steel would probably be less expensive, and slightly lighter. But you don't usually start by selecting a metal and deciding what to make from it, you start by deciding what properties you would like your product to have, and then picking construction materials and methods that suit. For example, making a hollow copper waveguide or piece of jewelry might be rather difficult by casting, but relatively easy by plating onto wax and then dissolving the wax away. But there are certainly good reasons to make some objects out of solid copper rather than copper plated steel.
Regards,
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Ted Mooney, P.E. finishing.com Brick, New Jersey |