Galvanization is an electrochemical process of protecting metals by electrolysis (an oxidation / reduction process that occurs at electrodes during the passage of an electric current through an electrolyte). Galvanizing ensures product protection against corrosion and load-bearing capacity. Suitable base materials for the galvanizing process are: steel, stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminum or ABS plastic.
In the galvanizing process, one or more extremely thin layers of only a few µm (1/1000 mm) are deposited on the base material in a so-called galvanic cell. The product to be coated is immersed in a solution of metal salt (electrolytes) and connected to the negative pole (cathode) of a direct current source. The metal to be deposited also enters the conductive bath in the form of anodes (positive pole) and as a salt divided into ions. Under instantaneous conductivity, the metal ion to be deposited goes into solution and is activated by the cathode, which forms a part and is deposited there as a metal coating.
Iron tiling
This specialized process uses a heated copper core to which iron (Fe) will be applied in the required layer thickness. The products are ironed on special supports (hangers) in the provided baths for coating.
Application: Soldering tips for industry and households.
Nickel plating
Nickel (Ni) is a light silver metal, which is still one of the most important galvanically deposited metals. Nickel coatings have found very different applications in practice. The reason for such a different use was the characteristics of nickel which made it possible to obtain coatings with the characteristics of iron in black, matt, semi-gloss and mirror color. Nickel coatings are used as decoration and as good corrosion protection.
Color: light silver
Versions: gloss, matt, velor, antique
Physical characteristics: relatively high hardness, good elasticity, good chemical resistance (exception: ammonia)
Durability: significant corrosion resistance
Application: optical industry, automotive industry, devices, radio and television technology, weapons technology
Technical application: Nickel is often used in combination with copper-nickel-chromium layers.
Chrome plating
Chrome is a bluish-white metal with very highly reflective properties. First of all, decorative chromium plating is required to apply nickel to the base material. After coating with nickel, chromium is the next layer to be coated and that layer makes the material resistant to corrosion. Chrome protects nickel from loss of shine, minimizes damage and corrosion.
Color: gray, mirror white
Variants: gloss, matt, velor, black
Physical characteristics: non-solderable, heat resistant up to 500 ° C
Durability: very high corrosion resistance, high hardness, wear resistance, weather resistant, stain resistant, extremely chemically resistant
Application: decorative chrome plating (because chrome does not darken, its reflective properties are retained almost unchanged during its lifespan)
Technical application: chromium is often used in combination with copper-nickel-chromium layers.
Tinning
Sheet metal is a silvery-white metal, which is especially interesting because of its solderability.
Color: silver-white
Variants: none
Physical characteristics: low melting point (232 ° C)
Durability: good corrosion protection against moisture, aqueous salt solutions and weak acids
Application: solder-resistant connection parts
Technical applications: soldering.
Galvanizing
Zinc is a metal of galvanic mass for standardized achievement of long-term corrosion protection.
Color: bluish white
Versions: blue, yellow, black
Physical characteristics: double protection system in relation to chrome plating
Durability: high corrosion protection
Application: extensive application in corrosion protection, device construction, small parts, screws, nuts, eyelets, furniture products and steel furniture production
Technical application: mechanical pre-treatment is usually not required. Frequent re-chrome plating to improve corrosion protection, stain protection and as an adhesive primer. It affects the look with improved shine and color determination from colorless to blue, yellow, olive green and black.
Electropolishing
Electropolishing (electrolytic polishing) is an electrochemical process that removes defined material from metal products. The result of electropolishing is an even, polished and shiny surface of the processed product. Electropolishing extends the life cycle of the product.
Vibratory grinding
Vibratory grinding is a type of mass finishing process. It is used to remove the edges of the edges and to illuminate the surface of the product. The vibratory grinding process uses radial vibrations with different granulations of sand and liquid additives (detergents). Sand can be ceramic, plastic or a combination of the two.