Barrel plating is a term that is used in electroplating. It originally referred specifically to the container that was used in the electroplating process. At the time, this was a large wooden barrel – hence the name. Since then, it has been applied to the process itself.
Barrel Plating Today
Barrel plating still involves a type of “barrel.” Today, however, the wooden barrels have long since been replaced. In their stead are ones composed of plastic or a composite material. Moreover, the barrels of today stand on a spindle. This allows them to set the objects “tumbling.” The act of tumbling abets the metal ions used in the process to provide an even coating over the surface of the metal. More importantly, it helps to enhance the properties of the overlay metal on the basis metal. This is a true advance over the older stationary barrel method.
Yet, there is also another variation on the older method and conventional interpretation of the term “barrel plating.” Some companies use the term to refer to several forms of electroplating that process many parts at once but does not necessarily utilize a container that resembles a barrel. This is appropriate because barrel plating is more cost effective and overall efficient when employed in the electroplating of large amounts of fairly small parts and components. This is one reason why many industries prefer barrel plating over other forms of electroplating.
Metals Involved in Barrel Plating
As is the case with all forms of electroplating, most common metals are able to be employed either as a base or an overlay in barrel plating. Common metals used as an overlay are: copper, gold, nickel, palladium, rhodium, silver and tin.
Why Prefer Barrel Plating?
Barrel plating requires, for the most part, barrels or other containers in which the process occurs. It is not a complex process but it does require experience and skill. The process remains a favorite because of:
* Multiplicity: it can be used to coat multiple items at the same time
* Speed: It is fast
* Cost Efficiency: The speed of plating plus the ability to electroplate several items at once, ensures the cost is low making it economically attractive for many industries
This is in addition to the process providing the basics for which electroplating is called upon time and time again to provide. These are:
* Uniform or even surface
* Corrosion resistance
* Increased or improved durability
* Improved appearance
* Altered texture ( in certain cases)
Barrel plating is an excellent way to accomplish this for such items as bolts, pegs, rivets, screws and other kinds of fasteners used predominantly for creating non-permanent joints in a variety of devices. From the results, it becomes obvious why, beyond price and speed, why many companies prefer rely on barrel plating to get the job done right and on time.
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