Uses of Electroplating

Uses of Electroplating

We know that one of the major uses of electroplating is to coat a surface with a thin layer of metal with the help of the electrochemical process. There are wide ranges of applications of this process in the manufacturing industry and various other fields. Below are a few mentioned practical applications of electroplating.

Some Applications & Uses of Electroplating are listed below:

  • Aesthetics
  • Commercial applications
  • To prevent corrosion
  • Conduction of Electricity
  • Reduce friction
  • To protect from radiation

Table of Contents

Electroplating used in Aesthetics

Valuable metals that are rare and expensive as gold and silver are very common examples of this application.

With the help of electroplating, a thin layer of these valuable metals can be coated on a cheaper metal which can give an attractive look to the final product at a lower cost. This is one of the widest commercial applications of electroplating today. This process is used for designing jewelry and other ornaments.

Electroplating used in Commercial Applications

Electroplating is used on car parts with a thin layer of chromium for a smooth texture and appearance. They are also done on various other appliances customized according to the buyer’s request.

Uses of Electroplating to prevent corrosion

As metals are prone to natural effects such as corrosion, a thin layer of non-corrosive metals covering the corrosive one can help metals and appliances last longer than usual. The non-corrosive metals such as copper, chromium, and nickel are basically used these days to spread over corrosive metals like steel and iron.

Electroplating helps in conduction of Electricity

In integrated circuits that are used in computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices, use good conductors of electricity such as gold and silver. But, due to the high price of these metals, a small quantity of these precious high-quality metals can be coated as a thin layer over other metals and helps in the conduction of electricity.

Electroplating is used to reduce friction

Apart from these uses, electroplating can be used in other areas where we can reduce friction by introducing a certain kind of metal over another.

Electroplating helps to protect from radiation

Electroplating also helps to protect from radiation, abrasion, and many other natural phenomena just by imparting the desired characteristics to a surface of the metals which lacks those properties.

These were some uses of Electroplating. If you wish to find out more, download BYJU’S The Learning App.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Electrolysis and Electroplating Resistivity of Various Materials
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Q1

What is electroplating?

Electroplating is the process of coating a metal with a different metal by the method of hydrolysis. In other words, electroplating is a method by which metal ions move via a chemical solution from a positive electrode to a negative electrode.
Q2

What are the uses of electroplating?

The most familiar uses of electroplating are:
  • Used in jewellery
  • Purification of metals
  • Changing the texture of metal surfaces
  • Preventing corrosion
  • Facilitating conduction in circuit boards
Q3

What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis is a method that employs a direct current to activate a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. Electrolysis is the basis of electroplating.
Q4

How does electroplating help in the conduction of electricity?

Integrated circuits that are used in electronic devices use excellent conductors such as silver and gold. As they are very expensive, their usages are very restricted in order to keep the expense low. With the help of electroplating, we can precisely use the available metals without any wastage. These precious high-quality metals can be coated as a thin layer over other metals, ultimately facilitating the smooth conduction of electricity.
Q5

How does electroplating help in preventing corrosion?

As metals are prone to natural effects such as corrosion, a thin layer of non-corrosive metals covering the corrosive ones can help metals and appliances last longer than usual. Electroplating can be used to coat non-corrosive metals over corrosive ones.
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