Electroplating Anodes: Applications and Benefits

  • Author: Canada Metal
  • Date: December 27, 2016

Electroplating is used in a variety of industries for coating metal objects with a thin layer of a different metal. This electrochemical process requires anodes. There are as many types of anode compositions as there are applications. Electroplating anodes offer numerous benefits.

Electroplating

Electroplating is used to coat certain metals with a thin layer of a pure metal, like silver or gold, copper, zinc or any of several alloys. During the process, an electric current passes through a solution known as an electrolyte. The composition of the electrolyte depends on the desired coating. The item being electroplated (cathode) is immersed into the electrolyte solution, as is the plating anode.

Electroplating Anodes Applications

The two are then connected to an electrical current source, by connecting the positive end to the plating anode and the negative to the item being to be plated. Once current flows through the system positively charged metal ions become attracted to the negatively charged item, thereby coating the item with the desired finish.

Key Benefits

Electroplating anodes are used to create products in many industries, including the hydraulic industry. The most common uses for electroplated products are chrome-plated oil pump auger flights, hydraulic cylinders, conveyor flights, sheets and tanks where it would be impractical or too expensive to make the item entirely out of the plating metal.

The electroplating anodes produced by Canada Metal, regardless of type or form, are non-sacrificial. They are made to the customer’s drawings and specifications as to the lead alloy used. Because of their lead content, they can be used and re-used over an extended period of time.

For high-quality electroplating anodes, manufactured to your specifications and design, the professionals at Canada Metal are here to answer your questions and assist you in any way possible.

Also Read: Role of the Brazing Process in the Aerospace Industry

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