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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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"Plasma Electroplating" is it a myth?

2003

Electro-plating has been developing for over 100 years with use of low voltage and current. A limited number of metals can be electroplated well but most advanced materials poses some difficulties and in most cases is unthinkable. In a recent patent application publication by USPTO an innovation process known as "Plasma Electroplating" appears, stating that a large range of materials ranging from non-metallic, semi-metallic and metallic can be coated or deposited through a non-thermal plasma formed in the electrolytic bath containing the source material on to the cathodic articles or objects. Since the system claims do not require any intermediate additive to act as catalyst as in the case of conventional electroplating which in most case is highly toxic and the coated object require much less water for any cleansing.

The question is whether the proposed new plating process is theoretically possible? Is there any similar process already in existence which performs material plating with similar means.

Thank you!

Chang Chakman
engineer - Hong Kong SAR, China

Technologies like plasma electroplating exist. One related technology is electro plasma process that can also produces plasma in liquids at atmospheric pressure.

Pankaj Gupta
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
2003