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Advantages and Disadvantages of Electroplating

what are the advantages and disadvantages of electroplating?

Shreya S.
student - Kolkata, West Bengal, India
October 14, 2009

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Hi, Shreya. Compared to what -- not electroplating things, and having everything rust away, having no electrical connections work, having moving parts seize, and planes fall out of the sky?

What I'm saying is that your question isn't yet well formed; you haven't yet invested yourself in thinking about your assignment and constructing a good question. Think through what you really need to ask and then get back to us. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
October 15, 2009

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I have a similar question.
What would be the advantages and disadvantages of electroplating metal in general vs. leaving the piece not plated? Moreover, why would one want to plate an object? I'm looking for things such as: more durable, last longer, more resistant to damage etc.. for advantages, and cost, time, etc... for disadvantages.
Thank you for any reply.
eric

Eric Sich
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
February 20, 2010

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Hi, Eric. You've already answered your own question. But I think it's also possible to answer it either with more generality or with more specifics.

To be more general, electroplating is a process that allows you to coat an item with a metal that has different surface characteristics than the bulk characteristics of the item. For example, you can build something that has the strength and much of the cost effectiveness of steel, while having the corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, attractive appearance, or coefficient of friction of chrome or gold or other electroplateable metal.

Indeed the disadvantages include cost and time, and they also include the generation of waste products.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
February 22, 2010