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Electroplating is particularly suitable for refining 3D prints
Among the numerous refinements that we at 3D Activation offer you, electroplating stands out in a special way. This is due in particular to the fact that this form of post-processing allows the advantages of plastic printing (cheap, lower weight) to be combined with those of metallic objects (gloss, electrical conductivity, possibly magnetism).
For this reason we would like to bring this technology a little closer to you today.
Basically, electroplating means the electrochemical deposition metallic deposits/coatings on objects (substrates). Somewhat more generally speaking, electroplating is the application of a firmly adhering layer of a (usually shapeless) substance to the surface of an object or material.
On the history of electroplating
Electroplating (also known as electroplating) was invented on November 6, 1780 by the Italian doctor Luigi Galvani (1737-98, from Bologna), from whom the name is derived. However, some researchers assume that this principle, namely the gilding of objects using electroplating, was already known and used in ancient times.
Electroplating originally served to make equestrian statues and similar monuments more weatherproof, but their field of application changed rapidly in the course of industrialization. Currently (as of the end of 2016) there are an estimated 1,500 electroplating companies in Germany alone.
fields of application
The industries that use electroplating include all areas in which corrosion and wear protection, generation or improvement of electrical conductivity or catalysis (production of catalysts) are required. This includes, for example, toolmaking, but also the jewelry industry and dental technology.
functionality
The heart of electroplating is an electrolytic bath (also known as a galvanic bath) through which current is passed. The metal to be removed is on the positive pole, the anode, and the object to be coated is on the negative pole (cathode). The electric current now detaches metal ions from the consumable electrode in order to deposit them on the workpiece to be coated by reduction. The galvanic bath enables the workpiece to be evenly coated with the metal that is being removed.
Electroplating in 3D printing
With the spread of 3D printing technologies, electroplating found new areas of application. As a 3D printing customer, you have the opportunity to use all the advantages of 3D printing with plastic without having to forego the noble, metallic design and electrical conductivity.
If you would like to learn more about electroplating and other 3D Activation post-treatments visit our website. There you will also find further details on all materials and printing processes.
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