A Quick and Easy Guide to Electroplating in the Zipper Industry

Electroplating is a technique that uses high-voltage current to separate charged molecules. More specifically, in response to electrical stimulation, suspended particles travel through the fluid. Electroplating allows scientists to analyze antibiotic resistance, synthesize new drugs, and even perform certain types of forensic analysis.

How is the Electroplating Process Done?

In short, electroplating involves immersing the object to be plated in a solution containing the desired metal coating and passing an electric current. The solution serves as the anode and the object serves as the cathode. When current passes through the solution, electrolysis occurs and the dissolved metal is oxidized into ions. These ions then attach themselves to the cathode, forming a thin coating on the object.

Some electroplating methods include selective electroplating (in which the electroplated layer is isolated to a specific part of the object), fluidized bed electrodes (used for items with difficult shapes and geometries), and roll-to-roll electroplating (place the object on a reel) and conveyor belt style. On the other hand, due to the high efficiency and low cost of barrel and rack plating, it has become the two most preferred plating methods for zipper manufacturers.

Application of Electroplating Technology in Zipper Industry

In a series of manufacturing industries, a method called electrophoretic deposition is used to apply coatings to metal products, such as metal zippers. This allows certain materials, such as pigments and dyes, to be applied on conductive metal surfaces. For example, this includes painting on car parts, electrical appliances and various fasteners. In particular, electrophoretic deposition in the zipper industry allows different kinds of coatings to be applied to the clothing zipper while improving its overall texture. Unlike other painting techniques, electroplating makes the customized zipper more unique and smooth.

The Pros and Cons of Electroplating

Electroplating is an excellent finishing technique, very commonly used in the high-end metal zipper industry. Compared with other technologies, take a look at some of the pros and cons of using this technology.

Pros of Electroplating

-Electrophoretic deposition is a relatively fast, low-cost method that allows the coating to be applied in few simple steps. By using paint efficiently, electroplating can reduce costs.

-Unlike electroplating and other methods that involve depositing metals on metal surfaces, electroplating allows the application of different types of organic materials. Electroplating has a better texture than other painting methods.

-During the salt spray test, the performance of the customized clothing zipper coated by electrophoretic deposition is much better than that of the electroplated product. The salt spray test is a method of testing corrosion resistance, which means that electrophoretic deposition products are not susceptible to corrosion.

Cons of Electroplating

-Compared with other products, products with electrophoretic coating are more prone to wear.

-Due to electroplating, some products failed the washing test. It is generally considered that washing test is one of the most important parts of quality control, and sometimes the performance of electroplated products is much better than that of electrocoated products.

-If the desired effect is to produce a metal coating, electroplating is a more effective process than electrophoretic deposition.

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