Properties of copper plating
The electrolytic copper plating process consists of depositing a layer of copper on the surface of the raw metal, acting as a fundamental intermediate layer for subsequent galvanic treatments.
This deposit significantly improves the adhesion of subsequent layers, such as nickel plating, chrome plating or painting, ensuring uniform and stable anchoring.
In addition, copper helps to increase the corrosion resistance of the component, creating a more effective barrier against chemical and environmental agents. Copper plating also improves the flatness and compactness of the surface, reducing porosity and defects that could compromise the final finish.
Application techniques: static, rotary barrel and reel-to-reel
Copper plating can be applied using different techniques, selected according to the type of component and production volume:
- static application: the piece is fixed to a frame and moved through the various electroplating baths. This is ideal for components with complex geometries or those requiring customised treatment.
- barrel plating: the parts are placed in a rotating barrel that moves them throughout the process. This is the optimal solution for small parts or small components, allowing for high productivity and great uniformity of deposit.
- reel-to-reel application: used for tapes, strips and continuous components, it allows for very uniform deposits with high thickness precision, ensuring a fast and constant production flow.
Cyanide baths: the most common processes for copper plating iron
Common cyanide baths contain a low copper content, so they are also known as diluted alkaline cyanide baths. Their wide use is mainly due to their characteristics: high penetration and adhesion of deposits.
Copper plating in cyanide baths can be carried out in two different ways:
- Cycle with periodic current inversion (15-second deposit, 5-second inversion): greater deposit uniformity (brighter, without pores) due to the absence of roughness, which is in turn due to the action of the anodic current.
- Cycle with interrupted current (8-second deposit, 2-second interruption): high gloss and use of higher current densities.
Copper plating is applied to aluminium, zinc (and their respective alloys) and stainless steel (the latter especially in the automotive sector).
The Argos Surface Technologies surface coatings similar to copper plating include Teflon PTFE and Teflon PFA treatments, although the typical copper colour is not applied.
