Prototype Surface Treatment Of Electroplating

Electroplating is used in a wide variety of industrial applications. This process not only enhances the appearance of the material but also significantly improves its corrosion resistance, wear resistance, electrical conductivity, and other properties. We will make a brief introduction to this kind of surface finishing technology.

What is electroplating?

It is a surface finishing by depositing a metal layer on the surface of a conductor, which forms a functional or decorative coating. The process involves immersing the workpiece to be plated (the cathode) into an electrolyte containing ions of the metal to be pre-plated (such as nickel, chromium, gold, etc.). After applying an electric current, the metal ions are reduced on the surface of the workpiece and form a dense coating.

  Prototyping parts can often require electroplating for cosmetic and functional purposes.

Where prototype parts are metal, they can be directly electroplated.  Plastic parts either require conductive additives in the 3D printing material or a conductive coating to be applied.

Two main types of electroplating processes

Water plating (wet plating):

Advantages: strong adhesion, scratch resistance, excellent conductivity, suitable for functional prototypes  (e.g., electronic interface parts).

Disadvantages: few color choices, only basic colors such as gold, silver, Chromium, nickel, gun color, etc., and requires a very high surface finish on the substrate (needs to be pre-polished), and higher cost.

Vacuum plating (dry plating):

Advantages: Supports colourful plating (e.g., seven colors), requires less flatness of the substrate, and is suitable for decorative prototypes. 

Disadvantages: Weaker adhesion than aqueous plating, and requires an additional protective layer of UV or PU spraying to prevent scratches.

The application of electroplating in prototyping

Appearance verification: endowing plastic or metal prototypes with a metallic texture, such as chromium plating and gold plating (car door handles, consumer electronics, decorative parts), helping customers intuitively evaluate the visual effect of the product.

Functional testing: For example, gold plating/silver plating enhances the electrical conductivity of an electronic prototype. Hard chromium plating enhances wear resistance, simulating the working conditions of mass production parts.

Protective coating: For example, galvanizing can prevent oxidation and corrosion of the substrate.

Cases of electroplating:

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