Common Types Of Electroplating

1. Classified by coating material
Single metal electroplating:
Galvanized layer: used for rust prevention of steel (such as galvanized sheet, screws).
Nickel plating: decorative (bright nickel) or functional (wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant).
Chrome plating: divided into decorative chromium (thin layer, bright appearance) and hard chromium (thick layer, high hardness, wear-resistant).
Copper plating: commonly used for the bottom layer (to improve adhesion) or conductive layer (PCB circuit board).
Tin plating: Good weldability (suitable for electronic components).
Gold plating: high conductivity, anti-oxidation (electronic contacts, jewelry).
Silver plating: high conductivity, reflective (electrical contacts, mirror polishing).
Alloy electroplating:
Zinc nickel alloy: It has better corrosion resistance than pure zinc (automotive parts).
Tin lead alloy: Good soldering performance (old electronic solder, now gradually lead-free).
Nickel phosphorus/nickel boron alloy: amorphous coating, corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant (chemical equipment).

2. Classify by process method
Hanging electroplating: The workpiece is hung on a hanging fixture, suitable for large-scale or mass production.
Roll plating: Small parts are electroplated in a drum to improve efficiency (such as screws and buttons).
Continuous electroplating: Strip or linear materials are continuously passed through a plating tank (such as galvanized steel plates, copper wires).
Brush plating: Partial electroplating, manually operated with a plating pen (to repair worn parts).

3. Classify by functional purpose
Protective electroplating:
Galvanized and cadmium plated (resistant to marine corrosion) are mainly used for rust prevention.
Decorative electroplating:
Multilayer electroplating (such as copper+nickel+chromium combination) is commonly used for automotive parts and household hardware.
Functional electroplating:
Wear resistant coating: hard chromium, nickel based alloy.
Conductive coating: gold, silver (electronic industry).
Magnetic coating: Nickel iron alloy (hard disk drive).
Anti friction coating: lead tin alloy (bearing surface).
The choice of different electroplating processes depends on cost, performance requirements, and environmental protection requirements. Modern electroplating technology is developing towards high efficiency, low pollution, and multifunctionality.