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What Is Electroplating

Electroplating is the process of depositing a layer of metal or alloy onto the surface of a metal or its products using an electrolytic method. It is a redox process that falls within the branch of electrochemistry. Chemical and electrochemical oxidation are also commonly categorized under electroplating. During the electroplating process, the workpiece to be plated is suspended together with a metal plate (or inert electrode) in the plating bath. The negative terminal of a direct current power supply is connected to the workpiece, while the positive terminal is connected to the metal plate (or inert electrode). When the direct current power supply is activated, a current flows, causing the desired metal to be deposited on the surface of the workpiece.

Coating Composition	Safe Coating Thickness/μm	Coating Composition	Safe Coating Thickness/um
Quick Nickel	130	Semi-bright nickel	100
Basic copper	130	Special Nickel	5
High Alkaline Copper	200	Nickel-Tungsten (50)	70
Alkaline Nickel	100	Low Stress Nickel	130
High nickel accumulation	130	Semi-bright copper	100
Neutral Nickel	100	Low Hydrogen Embrittlement Cadmium	100
Dense fast nickel	130	Zinc	100
Nickel-Tungsten Alloy	70	indium	100
Nickel-Cobalt Alloy	50	iron	200
High-speed copper	200	chromium	50

Safety thick sole with common coatings

Advantages of Electroplating

Improve corrosion resistance.
Improve surface hardness and wear resistance.
Enhance surface decoration.
Improve electrical and magnetic conductivity.
Improve or reduce light reflection.
Prevent local carburization and nitriding.
Repair dimensional deviation and wear, etc.

Electroplating Services – Accurate Precision Plating

BE-CU Company specializes in advanced electroplating techniques for a diverse range of metals, including aluminum and stainless steel. This process significantly enhances the wear, abrasion, and corrosion resistance of components, while also improving their aesthetic appeal. Electroplating is particularly effective for complex geometries, enabling the coating of both interior and exterior surfaces; however, it may not achieve the uniformity seen with electroless nickel plating.

With nearly three decades of expertise in CNC manufacturing, mold making, and casting production, BE-CU Company is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and meticulous attention to detail. Our capabilities extend to the production of custom precision parts supplies, accurately crafted in intricate shapes at competitive prices. We also offer high-quality surface treatments, including electrophoresis, to enhance the appearance and properties of metal parts.Our electroplating capabilities include:

Barrel plating
Rack plating
Vibratory plating
Precise plating thickness to exact tolerances of +/- .0001” (100 micro inches)
Plating for a range of metals, including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, nickel-silver and copper alloys, Inconel® and Monel®
Custom masking services
Fast turnaround, with most products delivered within 3-5 days
Quantities from short run through full production runs

We pride ourselves on rapid turnaround times, typically delivering within one week. Clients are encouraged to submit their specifications for free quotes, ensuring a seamless and efficient process. At BE-CU Company, we guarantee that your electroplating projects will be executed flawlessly, resulting in production-ready components delivered on schedule.

The Types of Electroplating

Electroplating can be categorized into several methods, including rack plating, barrel plating, continuous plating, and brush plating. The choice of electroplating method primarily depends on the size and batch quantity of the items to be plated.

Rack Plating: Suitable for items of general size, such as automobile bumpers and bicycle handlebars.
Barrel Plating: Ideal for small parts, such as fasteners, washers, and pins.
Continuous Plating: Used for mass production of wire and strip materials.
Brush Plating: Effective for localized plating or repair of workpieces.

Electroplating solutions can be acidic, alkaline, or neutral, with some formulations containing complexing agents. Regardless of the plating method used, equipment that comes into contact with the workpiece and the electroplating solution, such as plating baths and hanging fixtures, exhibits a certain degree of universality.

Electro-Plating Parts & Case Studies

At Be-Cu.com we offer effective products, processes, services and ideas to meet our customer’s needs.Trust us to provide a comprehensive and professional Electroplating solution tailored to your specific needs.Whether a customer is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the automotive, military, or medical industry, we can meet their Electroplating needs.View our Electroplating case studies: