Degreasing before plating is an indispensable step in the plating process, and is the key to ensure good adhesion and surface finish of the plated layer. This article will elaborate on the importance of electroplating degreasing and introduce the basic concepts of electroplating pretreatment.
First of all, electroplating is a process of plating a layer of other metals or alloys on a metal surface using the principle of electrolysis. The quality of the plating layer is not only related to the composition of the plating solution, current density and other parameters, but also directly related to the cleanliness of the surface of the substrate. If the surface of the substrate is stained with oil, it will seriously affect the bonding of the plating layer, resulting in problems such as blistering, flaking or unevenness of the plating layer.
In this situation, degreasing becomes particularly important. Degreasing mainly refers to the removal of organic substances such as grease, wax, cutting fluids, etc. from the surface of the workpiece by chemical or physical means. There are various ways of degreasing: e.g. solvent degreasing, electrolytic degreasing.
Degreasing treatment can not only clean up the oil, but also remove the oxidized layer and some other dirt on the surface of the workpiece. Doing a good job of surface cleaning will pave a good foundation for plating, so that the subsequent plating layer and the substrate have a better bonding force, thus extending the life of the plating layer and ensuring the quality and appearance of plated products.
At the same time, improper degreasing can lead to plating solution contamination, affecting the stability of the plating solution and plating effect, and increasing plating cost. Therefore, a strict degreasing treatment program in the plating process is crucial.
Plating plants need to select the most appropriate degreasing process based on factors such as the type and shape of the plated material and the desired plating quality.
For example, the previously mentioned electrolytic degreasing, which is a complement to solvent degreasing and chemical degreasing, alone the first two degreasing is not stable, why? Because even if the grease in the solution has been cleaned, but the surface of the degreasing solution will often have grease floating, parts out of the tank will be stained, in this case we need to choose Bigely electrolytic degreasing powder BC-1108, applicable to all kinds of metals other than magnesium electrode degreasing process, in the wider range of current density, has a good effect of degreasing.
Correct pretreatment is a prerequisite to meet plating performance, and degreasing, as an important part of pretreatment, plays a fundamental role in supporting plating quality. If you have a need for degreasing powder, please contact us.
