Common Questions & Glossary Terms
Q1. What is Electroplating?
- It is the electrolytic deposition of an adherent metallic coating upon an article for the purpose of imparting a surface with properties, appearance or dimensions differing from those of the basis metal.
Q2. Do you spray it on or dip it?
- No electroplating is done in a solution (electrolyte) used for the electrodeposition process.
Q3. What is adhesion?
- The attractive force existing between a metal coating and its substrate.
Q4. What is acid cleaning or pickling?
- The process of removing oxide or other surface films from a metal by immersion in an acid solution.
Q5. What is an anode?
- The positive electrode in a circuit. During electrolysis current enters and electrons leave the solution at the anode.
Q6. What is a cathode?
- The negative electrode in a circuit. During electrolysis current enters and electrons leave the solution at the cathode.
Q7. What is lacquering?
- The application of a thin coating of lacquer over a prepared metal surface to prevent it from tarnishing.
Q8. What does 'patina' refer to?
- A greenish coloured surface film on copper or copper alloys produced to resemble the appearance of naturally weathered copper in humid atmospheres.
Q9. What is a rectifier?
- A device which converts alternating current (a.c.) into direct current (d.c.) by semi–conduction.
Q10. Rack
- A metal frame or jig with a plasticised coating designed to hold, if necessary electrically connect, articles during plating or related operations.
Q11. Substrate
- Basis material on which a coating is deposited.
Q12. Volt
- The unit of electromotive force. That e.m.f. which will cause an electric current of one ampere to flow through a circuit with total resistance of one ohm.
Q13. Strike
- To plate for a short time, usually at high initial current density.
Q14. Polishing
- The process of smoothing a metal surface by means of abrasives in the form of flexible wheels and belts. Abrasives may be applied in the form of paste, stick or liquid suspension.
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