What Are Plating and Surface Finishing Tanks? The ongoing operation and maintenance of surface treatment process plants require continuous investment in Plating and Surface Finishing Tanks and associated equipment. Enduramaxx manufactures process tanks and chemical storage tanks that can be used for a range of surface treatments including, effluent treatment plants, water purification equipment and much more.
What is Electroplating?
Electroplating is a process that uses an electric current to reduce dissolved metal cations so that they form a thin coherent metal coating on an electrode. The term is also used for electrical oxidation of anions on to a solid substrate. Electroplating is primarily used to change the surface properties of an object (such as abrasion and wear resistance, corrosion protection, aesthetic qualities). Still, it may also be used to build up thickness on undersized parts or to form objects by electroforming.
The process used in electroplating is called electrodeposition. It is analogous to a concentration cell acting in reverse. The part to be plated is the cathode of the circuit. In one technique, the anode is made of the metal to be plated on the part. Both components are immersed in a solution called an electrolyte containing one or more dissolved metal salts as well as other ions that permit the flow of electricity. A power supply supplies a direct current to the anode, oxidizing the metal atoms that it comprises and allowing them to dissolve in the solution. At the cathode, the dissolved metal ions in the electrolyte solution are reduced at the interface between the solution and the cathode, such that they “plate out” onto the cathode. The rate at which the anode is dissolved is equal to the rate at which the cathode is plated and thus the ions in the electrolyte bath are continuously replenished by the anode.
What is Pickling?
Pickling is a metal surface treatment used to remove impurities, such as stains, inorganic contaminants, rust from ferrous metals, copper and precious metals. A solution called pickle liquor, which usually contains acid, is used to remove the surface impurities. It is commonly used to descale or clean steel in various steelmaking processes.
Metal surfaces can contain impurities that may affect usage of the product or further processing like plating with metal or painting. Various chemical solutions are usually used to clean these impurities. Strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid are common, but different applications use various other acids. Also, alkaline solutions can be used for cleaning metal surfaces. Solutions usually also contain additives such as wetting agents and corrosion inhibitors. Pickling is sometimes called acid cleaning if descaling is not needed. Many hot working processes and other processes that occur at high temperatures leave a discolouring oxide layer or scale on the surface. In order to remove the scale, the workpiece is dipped into a vat of pickle liquor. Prior to cold rolling operation, hot rolled steel is normally passed through a pickling line so as to eradicate the scale from the surface. The primary acid used in steelmaking is hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid is more expensive than sulfuric acid, but it pickles much faster while minimizing base metal loss
Enduramaxx Plating and Surface Finishing Tanks
We have supplied the surface finishing industry with a wide range of fabrications that includes plating and dipping tanks, metal pickling tanks and electroforming tanks. All our tanks and liners are bespoke and made to the customer’s requirements and can produce any shape or size you require in a variety of materials to suit your needs including Polypropylene, PVC and Polyethylene. In addition to this, we can supply provide any complimenting pipework and bunds.
What Are Plating and Surface Finishing Tanks? We have more details on Water Treatment For The Finishing Sector here and whether you require a small rectangular mixing tank or a large cylindrical storage tank, we specialise in being able to manufacture which can accommodate space requirements you may have. One of the advantages of the large range of products is that if we don’t have a standard moulded tank we can custom-make tanks to suit your needs. Depending on the solution used, the concentration & temperature, we may need to discuss options which are best suited. We are available on 01778 562810 to discuss further.
