how thick is a layer of electroplating? ie on steel .. is it practical to assume you can build up layers at a microscopic scale?
2006-10-08 20:37:02 · 8 answers · asked by Julia W 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
When you electroplate one metal with another metal, (eg, chrome plating an object) chrome (positive) ions are attaching themselves to the negatively charged object. So you must be making the object thicker, but not by a huge margine, depending on how long you plate I suppose. So it is logical to assume that you are building up really thin layers when you electroplate.
2006-10-08 20:40:44 · answer #1 · answered by Tyler D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Electroplating only gives a .001 to .006 thousands of an inch, I would assume. Its not a very good way to 'build' it up, because after awhile, when you do numerous electroplating, unless you are very efficient and can do it and take your time, the electroplating will eventually come off.
Remember this, each layer is a skin. And when the metal expands and contacts, the "skin" furthest from the metal itself, will not have the same expansion rate, and adherance, and will start to split in a relatively short time.
I would only allow two coats, at most, of electroplating, and thats only if the first coat was done properly.
I wish you well..
Jesse
2006-10-08 20:45:16 · answer #2 · answered by x 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Electroplating is a process in which electrical current is connected between an object (to be plated) and a Source (supplier of plating metal) when both objects are placed in a conducting liquid bath. The amount of voltage applied will determine the speed at which the plating gets deposited onto the object assuming the voltage is correctly connected (polarity).
The thickness of the electroplating will vary with time of processing and metals selected for the process.
Common electroplating thicknesses are usually 0.001 to 0.006 inch.
Slow processes develop the smoothest deposits of source metal onto the object. Excessive speed (to much voltage) in the process will deposit source metal onto the target object in a porous sponge like layer which is unacceptable for most applications.
2006-10-08 21:37:08 · answer #3 · answered by zahbudar 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
I'd think that it does make an object thicker. Electropating is to add a layer of material on existing object - for aesthetics, for protection against corrosion, etc.
About the order of accuracy... yes, you can have microscopic electroplating. But these are in area of research, for advanced manufacturing processes.
2006-10-08 20:46:25 · answer #4 · answered by arevoir 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, it is practical to assume that on a microscopic scale the layers are building up and making the metal ever-so-slightly thicker.
2006-10-08 21:02:46 · answer #5 · answered by natureutt78 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends on whether the object is placed as an cathode or an anode. and it is possible to obtain and it is practicable to build layers at a microscopic scale.
the amount of metal removed or deposited follows faradays laws of electrolysis.
2006-10-08 20:43:26 · answer #6 · answered by k k 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Electro plating can be done to any desired thickness. This method is used to refine copper and aluminum and produces bars or plates that are inches thick. Plating can also be as little as one atom thick.
2006-10-08 20:55:42 · answer #7 · answered by Tlocity 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes. but the added thicknes is usually very small.
2006-10-09 00:54:36 · answer #8 · answered by Dr. J. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋