Copper is a widely-used metal in the electronics and electrical industries. Not a surprise when you consider the fact that copper is one of the primary materials that are used to make electrical wiring. Copper is prominent in the electronics and electrical sectors because it an exceptional conductor of electricity. As a result, copper electroplating is a commonplace practice that is applied on metallic surfaces where a high degree of electrical conductivity is needed. Don’t let copper’s dull appearance deceive you. The reddish-brown color complexion notwithstanding, copper is known to add extra shine and gloss to different kinds of surfaces. In this blog, we aim to list out some of the amazing benefits of industrial copper electroplating.

Know About Copper and Copper Electroplating

To begin with, it is important to lay down some basic information about the copper metal. It is a malleable and soft metal and because of these traits, copper is very suitable for plating purposes on different objects and surfaces where elasticity is required. Moreover, copper is an adhesive which means that once it is attached to a material or surface it will never break apart even if the object or surface is bent. Copper electroplating is an in-demand process because copper makes other materials adopt anti-corrosive properties. In addition, copper electroplating lets materials inherit increased thickness and heat resistance.

Application Across Industries

Other than electronics and electrical industries, copper electroplating is something that occurs frequently in the oil and gas sector. Electroplating is useful for the prevention of galling in make-and-break activities. Applying a copper plating on parts and elements such as couplings, risers, tubulars, premium drill pipes and thread connections ensures that they remain in good condition and deliver high performance in different environments. Not to mention, copper also comes in handy for underplating purposes for other metals. Under plating is done to enhance anti-corrosion is high-rust settings.  

Enhances Quality of Metals

The foremost benefit of copper electroplating is that it improves the quality and usefulness of other metallic materials. This is made possible by the combinations of electrolytes such as copper, silver, gold, and nickel. It is due to copper electroplating that maximizes the utility of metals for different kinds of works and tasks in different industries. In other words, electroplating makes metals more desirable for use in industries such as the automotive sector where refurbishment of old automobile elements such as tire rims, bumpers, and grills is common practice.

Assists Manufacturing of Metals

An important benefit of copper electroplating is that it augments the aspects of different manufacturing processes where metals come into play. Using electroplating can give companies a competitive advantage in different markets. In the context of manufacturing, electroplating is a recommendable practice for many reasons. Firstly, it reduces friction and premature corrosion and maximizes the quality of performance. In addition, electroplating is good news as far as conductivity levels and cost-effectiveness is concerned. Absorption of excess oxygen during manufacturing (especially in the automobile industry) is another USP that makes electroplating an ideal solution. Lastly, electroplating is the go-to solution if you want to replace the materials’ brittleness and make them harder and durable.

Cost-Effectiveness

Industrial copper electroplating has many takers also because it is comparatively very cost-effective. As opposed to metals such as gold, silver, and platinum that are expensive by default, industries fall back on copper as an alternative because it is cheaper.

Other Benefits of Copper Electroplating Enough has been said and written about copper’s exemplary conductivity properties that are responsible for making it a favorite solution for electronics and semiconductor companies around the world. We have mentioned about how copper’s adhesive feature makes it ideal for nickel and tin plating. At this point, we would like to underline some of the lesser-known uses of copper electroplating. In some industries copper is utilized to promote the conversion of non-metals into metals. Plastic is a popular example in this regard. Meanwhile, it is also commonplace for cyanide to be incorporated in copper bath solutions. This is done to promote extra adhesion. Bear in mind that because cyanide is an extremely toxic substance caution must be exercised in the plating process.