Metal Distribution in Electroplating of Nickel and Chromium

SummaryElectroplating is a surface treatment method widely adopted for corrosion prevention. For obtaining decorative finishes with corrosion resistance on steel surfaces, it is a normal practice to employ decorative nickel—chromium plating consisting of thick nickel layers followed by flash chromium. For functional applications necessitating hardness and wear resistance, thick chromium plating is carried out either directly on steel or over a nickel undercoat. Heavy coatings of nickel and chromium for industrial applications call for thickness uniformity over complicated shaped basis metal surfaces.In the present investigation, a comparative evaluation of nickel and chromium plating is undertaken. Distributions of metal on plain as well as bent cathodes are determined. For a bent cathode with a specified geometry, the improvement in metal distribution brought about by changing the anode configuration is studied and reported.