Chrome plating is a common surface treatment in the electroplating industry, which not only provides a decorative bright appearance, but also gives the workpiece good hardness, corrosion and wear resistance. However, the surface roughness of the plated layer during the plating process is an important indicator of the quality of the plated layer, and it will directly affect the usability and appearance of the plated parts. The following are several key factors that affect the surface roughness after chromium plating:
1. Surface condition of the original substrate: The surface finish of the workpiece before plating is one of the most important factors affecting the quality of the coating. Any scratches, pits or oxidized skin may show up on the plating, so proper grinding, polishing and cleaning before chromium plating is essential.
2. Composition and conditions of the plating solution: The concentration and proportion of chromic acid, sulphuric acid, chromium-plating additives and the pH value all have an important influence on the brightness and roughness of the plated layer. In addition, impurities and contaminants in the plating solution can also cause defects on the plated surface.
3. Plating process control: Plating parameters such as current density, temperature, and agitation state have a great influence on the plated layer. Improper current density may lead to roughness, looseness, or even ablation of the plated layer, while inappropriate temperature or uneven agitation will cause uneven plating and surface roughness.
4. Plating time: the thickness of the plating layer is affected by the plating time, too short a time may result in too thin a layer and an uneven surface; too long a time may result in too thick a layer, which may produce cracks and increased roughness.
5. Post-treatment processes: Post-treatment steps such as cooling, cleaning and drying after plating also affect surface roughness. Unstandardized operations may leave water stains or other traces that affect the smoothness of the plated surface.
Considering the above factors, it is necessary to control the whole plating process to improve the surface roughness after chromium plating. The surface quality of chrome plating parts can be obviously improved by optimizing the surface pretreatment of the original substrate, strictly controlling the formula and process parameters of the plating solution, using Bigely chrome plating additives and proper post-treatment. The electroplating technician must understand how various factors interact and constantly adjust the process to ensure that the electroplating product meets or exceeds the required quality standards.
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