The application of electroplating technology in prototype
The prototype is the first sample after the product design drawing is confirmed. prototype machining is different in the mass production of finished products, mass production process all procedures clear division of labor. A product by a number of manufacturers are responsible for their own good part of processing, and then by the assembly plant to complete the assembly of finished products, its technological process involves plastic injection molding, hardware processing, sheet metal processing, post-processing and so on... prototype factory needs to put all kinds of processing methods and post-processing are centralized processing, to provide the customer with the closest sample to the finished product. So we needs to have the ability of various processing methods, such as 3D printing, CNC machining, sheet metal bending stamping and so on. And not only need to have a variety of processing capabilities, but also need to have more complex post-processing technology.
Electroplating process is widely used in many post-treatment processes. every morning wash can see the water head dragon is electroplated, travel by the car interior and exterior ornaments, such as door handles, decorative pieces are electroplated; Now the design of some daily consumer products, more inseparable from electroplating; So a good prototype factory, must have a good electroplating processing ability. Electroplating is a method that uses the principle of electrolysis to coat the conductive material with a layer of metal. In the salt solution containing pre-gilding (such as nickel, gold, etc.), to be plated products as the cathode, through electrolysis, so that the plating solution of pre-gilding cations deposited on the surface of the substrate metal, forming a coating of a post-treatment process. Different metal coating material, will have different characteristics. It can be divided into decorative, functional and protective coatings. Increase hardness, prevent wear, improve electrical conductivity, smoothness, heat resistance and beautiful surface. Prototype factory also needs to have the ability to correspond to a variety of electroplating. Electroplating types are currently commonly divided into two kinds: water plating and vacuum plating. The two kinds can present a very similar appearance effect, but they have completely different treatment methods.
Compared with vacuum plating, water plating has strong adhesion, good gloss, stable performance, scratch resistance, friction resistance and other special, good conductivity. General functional hand parts, water plating is relatively more. The disadvantage of water plating is that the color selection is small, and there is a very high requirement for the smoothness of the surface of the material, and the concealer ability is very weak. General water plating products, are the need for surface polishing, cannot have seams. This is why the price of water plating prototype products is higher.
Compared with water plating, vacuum has the biggest advantage of choosing more colors. Basically, you can choose all kinds of colors you like. In addition, the material and surface smoothness of the product are less than that of water plating products. Disadvantages are easy to scratch and fade, adhesion is not as water plating.
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