How To Start Electroplating & Anodising Industry

Certain properties of the surface of any manufactured item can make all the difference. This process of finishing is a very distinct industrial process in itself. Today, the world of manufacturing is leaning heavily towards various surface treatments. The process of engineering a surface helps in generation many functional features of an item. For instance, if the surface of a certain good in engineered carefully, it can be made corrosion resistant, wear and tear-resistant and whatnot.

Coatings are a necessary part of surface treatments. These help in preserving the item for a longer time and making it unique and distinct from other similarly manufactured items. It separates them from the bulk and gives them a unique selling property. Various processes involved in the surface finishing are electroplating, nickel plating, electrolysis, dying, oxidizing the meals, various heat treatments or even aluminum anodizing. Depending upon our product and its individual needs, any of the above processes can do the trick

What exactly is electroplating/ electro polishing?

It basically involves applying a layer of metallic goo to a manufactured item. An electric current is passed through the electrolyte which is touched with the item. As a result, the surface of our item will have some features different than that of our product itself. Any surface which can conduct electricity can also be electroplated. Interestingly, the material which do not conduct electricity such as plastic can be made to do so, simply by coating them up with a metallic paint, or a spray of silver paint. Also, various metals that can be corroded easily, can be electroplated, in order to make them resistant to make them last longer and be safe from the wear and tear of time. It not only enhances the life of a metal, but also its market value. With the quality, the aesthetic appeal of the metal rises as well.

What are the applications of Electro polishing?

This popular process is used in various major industries such as the pharmaceutical sector, electronics, food and beverage industry, the world of automotive and aerospace.

Other ways of finishing surfaces:

Pickling is basically getting rid of the oxide layers which form due to welding and heat-treating of metals. Pickling, also known as chemical cleaning is the cleaning of various metallic surfaces in an effort to get rid of impurities, small/ big stains or a scale using an acidic solution.

Anodizing is a electrolytic passivation procedure which can be used to increase the girth of the naturally formed oxide layer on the surface of various metal components.

If there is one thing that can never go down, is our country’s demand for metals. Be it the manufacturing of vehicles or the simple process of packaging, metals are always needed. And where there are metals, there will be a need to polish and tidy up their surfaces. Hence, the electroplating and anodizing industries will continue to prosper for a long time to come. Starting up a business in this field can only lead to good things.

Automotive and Electronics – Two Major End-Users of Electroplating

Manufacturers of electronic products and electrical devices & components are obligated to use electroplating techniques for coherently coating metal surfaces. The rate at which electronic products are being sold in the world effectuates a robust growth in demand for electroplating services. In 2016 and beyond, more than one-third of the global electroplating revenues have been estimated to be procured from electronics & electrical industries in the world. Automotive industries have instated units dedicated for surface-coating purposes, a majority of which are expected to use electroplating methods for covering vehicles’ bodies with a layer of non-corrosive and rust-proof materials. Automotive end-use of electroplating will showcase a lucrative incremental opportunity of an estimated US$ 2.05 billion between 2016 and 2026.

Key Electroplating Metals – Nickel, Gold & Copper

While volatility in the price of raw metals continues to levy an undulating impact on the growth of global electroplating market, consumers will not cease to prefer products coated with a metallic lustre of their choice. Gold is one of the most prominent metal being electroplated in multiple industrial applications. High yet fluctuating costs of gold, coupled with the growing demand for gold-plated electronic devices and wearable accessories will add nearly US$ 5 billion revenues in the global electroplating market towards the end of the assessment period. However, the demand for copper and nickel as raw metals for electroplating is projected to surge at a faster pace, reaching a combined global market value share of more than 60% through 2026.