Electroplated metal surfaces – what it is and how experts use it

The advantages of electroplated metal surface finishing

Electroplated metal surface coatings offer a unique combination of functionality, aesthetics and sustainability – and are indispensable in many industries today. Whether in the automotive industry, the sanitary industry, furniture or household appliances: Wherever sophisticated surfaces are required, electroplated components offer not only protection and style but also great economic and ecological added value. In contrast to purely decorative finishes, the electroplating process provides a metal–metal–bond on the metallic base material, which is characterised by extreme durability, resistance and extremely comfortable haptics.

Electroplating – high-quality appearance and tangible quality

A key feature of electroplated surfaces is their exceptional appearance. Chrome, nickel, copper or precious metals give the component a brilliant, uniform and durable surface. Unlike alternative coating processes, electroplating methods can be used to create a real metal surface. These properties make electroplated surfaces particularly attractive for visible surfaces, such as faucets, decorative automotive parts, control buttons and knobs in household appliances or furniture.
In addition to the visual enhancement, the tactile effect is also impressive: electroplated surfaces have a comfortably cool and luxury feel and convey an authentic metal feel while being durable at the same time. The high-quality feel is therefore also a key advantage in the user’s perception of the product.

Technical durability and corrosion resistance

In addition to its visual and tactile benefits, electroplated surfaces also provide a high level of protection. The metal layer effectively protects the underlying component against corrosion, moisture, chemical impacts and mechanical stresses such as scratches, impacts and abrasion. The finish is UV-resistant, temperature-stable and colour-stable, so that no ageing effects become visible even after many years of use under demanding conditions.
These properties are particularly important in the automotive sector, in sanitary industries or for exterior. An electroplated layer just a few tens of microns thick is often enough to permanently protect the base component – even when exposed to intense weather or environmental conditions. The finish is highly adhesive to the die-cast material without becoming brittle. This means: no flaking, no peeling, no microcracks – even after many years of use.

How does metal electroplating work?

In electroplating, a workpiece is coated with a thin layer of metal using an electric current. The workpiece is placed as a cathode (negatively charged) in an electrolyte bath containing metal ions of the desired plating metal. Usually, an anode made of the same metal serves as a positively charged counter electrode. The metal ions are deposited from the electrolyte in the form of a solid metal layer on the workpiece. The same amount of metal is dissolved at the anode so that the concentration of dissolved metal in the electrolyte remains constant. The result is an even metal finish with decorative and protective properties.

Sustainability and environmental reliability

Electroplated surfaces also have an impressive ecological balance. The corrosion resistance and the mechanical and chemical resistance of electroplated surfaces extend the service life of a component by decades. The metals used are also recyclable and can be returned to the material cycle at the end of the product’s life, making this type of surface finishing extremely sustainable and resource friendly.
Unlike painted surfaces, these purely metal finishes do not release any gases or particles (microplastics) into the environment over the years. Furthermore, electroplating processes do not require organic solvents and do not produce any overspray.

Efficiency and robust processes

Metal electroplated finishes can be applied efficiently in an automated process. The ability to control the individual parameters, in particular the electrical current, enables reproducible results to be achieved – even for large series and complex components.
In combination with precisely manufactured die-cast components, e.g. made of zinc, this results in extremely economical overall production – both in large series and in smaller quantities – whenever appearance and function are to go hand in hand.

Electroplating with HDO – high flexibility in application

Due to their flexibility, electroplated metal surfaces from HDO are suitable for a broad range of products and sectors of application. They perfectly combine aesthetics and resistance. Whether decorative accents in interior design, high-gloss corrosion-protected components for bathrooms or robust protective finishes on workpieces for outdoor use – the fields of application are almost unlimited.