EC Williams Ltd is one of the country’s leading electroplating companies. We are proud to offer a wide range of electroplating services including copper plating. Therefore, we wanted to give you a guide to the copper electroplating process. Metal finishing was previously an experimental craft. However, over the past few decades it has become an important part of metal finishing. Additionally, it has proven to benefit many different industrial applications.
There are many different metals that you can electroplate with, all of which have their own unique benefits. Copper is a chemical element that boasts high thermal and electrical conductivity. It is tough, antibacterial, and non-magnetic. The material is one of the most popular ones to use when it comes to electroplating.
Related: EC Williams: Leading Electroplaters UK
What Is Copper Plating?
Copper electroplating is the name of the process. It involves depositing a thin layer of copper on top of a metallic surface using a strong electrical current. The process is used for both functional and decorative purposes. But, it is often applied in the automotive and medical industries. Copper can produce different finishes too. Such as: dull, shiny, glossy or satin. This makes it perfect as an undercoat for other plating types.
Copper Electroplating Process
After nickel plating, copper electroplating is one of the most popular forms of electroplating. To begin with, the material (that is going to be plated) is thoroughly cleaned. Then, the copper electroplating process is applied by passing electric current through an electrolyte solution of copper salt. Furthermore, the metal substrate is placed in the electrolytic bath. The copper ions deposit onto the surface of the component, creating a copper coating. As the electricity flows through, a thin layer of copper is deposited onto the base metal using electric current. Many metals can undergo copper plating. For instance, gold, silver, aluminium, and even plastic. If the material you would like to plate is iron based however, it will require a nickel-based coating first.
Related: Nickel Electroplating – What is it?
Benefits Of Copper Plating
Once you understand the copper electroplating process, it is important to understand the benefits. Here are some of the main advantages of copper plating:
- As it is a great conductor of electricity. Even such a thin layer of copper coating can turn a component into an excellent conductor for electrical equipment.
- Copper can be flexible and soft. Therefore, is perfect for electrical applications. It will always stick to the surface it is applied to. This means the component that undergoes plating will always be uniform and never shell out.
- Copper is one of the least corrosive metals to ever exist. Consequently, it will always protect metals from corrosion.
Copper Electroplating Services Near Me
Would you like to find out more about the copper electroplating process? If you are looking for copper plating services nearby, then get in touch with EC Williams Ltd today. Otherwise, you can explore our website for more information on electroplating. Call 0121 236 2524 to speak to a member of our helpful and friendly team.
If you have found this blog helpful, then you may wish to read our previous blog on Zinc Nickel Plating Services.
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