If you contribute to the industrial and manufacturing industry you may have considered implementing digital technology into your business. There's always a fear of the unknown and it's quite common to feel hesitant about trying something new. We created this site to help you decide if a changeover to digital technology is right for your business model.
We've researched the advantages and disadvantages of digital transformation by examining data, case studies, and speaking with manufacturing heads who have already embraced the transition. As you read the articles in this blog, you'll gain valuable insight into cost performance, productivity rates and quality enhancements of digital technology. We hope that by providing this information it will help you decide if a digital transformation is in your near future.
Is Electroplating The Right Metal Finishing For Your Project? What To Know
Electroplating is one of the most popular metal finishing methods out there, and for good reason. It's a versatile approach with many different options and end results. However, that doesn't mean that it's the right solution for every situation. In fact, there are a few key factors to think about before you make the choice. Here's a look at a couple of elements that can directly affect whether or not electroplating is the right choice for your needs.
How Will The Parts Be Used?
One of the most important things to think about is how the parts will be used. There are certain environments and end uses that aren't ideal for an electroplating finish. Any application that will be heavily abrasive may require some additional considerations before you make your choice. Discuss the final use with your metal finishing contractor to find out if electroplating will hold up and is the best solution.
How Much Room Do You Have To Work With?
If you're looking into electroplating for components of a final product, you need to consider how much room you have to work with before you decide that electroplating is the right option. Remember that electroplating actually results in a new layer of material on the metal surface, which increases the thickness of the metal, even if only slightly. If you're dealing with an application that has no margin for error, this could interfere. Make sure that you have the space for the increased thickness of the metal following electroplating before you make that choice.
What Shape Is The Metal?
One thing that many people don't think about is that there's a difference in the electroplating outcome whether you're plating something that's raw and flat versus a finished product with corners, curves, and other variations. You'll find that electroplating tends to adhere thicker in corners and crevices, which is an important consideration if you're dealing with smaller spaces, little margin for error, or a very specific need for the final product.
What Condition Is The Metal In?
The final consideration, and an important one, is what condition the metal is in. Electroplating is intended for metal that's in good, strong condition. If your metal is heavily pitted, scratched, or has early signs of corrosion, electroplating isn't a good solution. It may cover those flaws initially but the surface flaws and problems will disrupt the adhesion of the electroplating finish eventually.
Talk with an electoplating metal finishing contractor today to see if electroplating is right for your needs.