Electroplating

The LoneStar Group manufactures and supplies a broad scope of precision-engineered, high-integrity, approved and accredited components trusted to withstand the world’s most demanding environments. In these harsh settings, metal parts are subjected to extreme conditions where high heat, pressure, corrosive elements and load-bearing stress test their performance to the limit. In this context, electroplating a layer of more resistant metal such as Nickel, Zinc or Cadmium creates an extra protective barrier to extend the lifespan of components.

Electroplating, also known as electrochemical deposition, electrodeposition or electro galvanising, can be used to finish the surface of several metallic substrates, including steel, iron, brass, copper, and aluminium.

Parts must be electrically conductive for any electroplating finish to be applied. Here, parts ready for coating act as a cathode (negative electrode) of an electrolytic cell; the electrolyte is a solution of a salt whose positive ions are the metal to be coated and the anode (positive electrode) is typically either a block of that metal or of some inert conductive material. Current is provided by an external power supply. 

The corrosion protection afforded by the electrodeposited layer is primarily due to the anodic potential dissolution of plating metal versus iron (the substrate in most cases). The plating metal acts as a sacrificial anode to protect the iron (steel). Additionally, electroplated articles may receive a topcoat to further enhance corrosion protection and friction performance.