Electroplating in the home is its most important component

Probably, there is no home master who would never have to cover his own made objects with a layer of zinc, chrome, copper or nickel. These coatings not only give the metal objects a beautiful appearance, but also makes it possible to protect them from the influence of the environment, as well as to impart properties to the product that were not previously inherent in it.

The activity that allows to apply a thin layer of metal on the surface of the product, which allows to protect the latter from corrosion and give it decorative properties is called electroplating, and in simple speech, electroplating. Electroplating at home is quite common in our country, because after having equipment for galvanizing at home or in the garage, everyone can personally chrome plating, zinc plating, copper plating, nickel plating of any metal products.

Of course, home electroplating involves the availability of certain equipment, as well as knowledge in the electrochemical field - without this, in the case of coating with electrolysis is indispensable.

One of the main components that each electroplating should have at home is a galvanic bath. Below, one of the ways of manufacturing it will be considered. Everyone who has decided that he needs a galvanic at home, have to deal with the problem of how to make a galvanic bath or adapt it for any capacity.

So, there is one inexpensive solution to this issue. Many companies selling chemicals use special polyethylene containers. Each such capacity is trimmed and strengthened on pallets. It is this capacity that is to be obtained for use as a base for a galvanic bath.

After the container is delivered and installed it is necessary to carefully cut off its upper part. Cut off part is still useful - from it will be made the lid of the bath. From the ends of the bath, three holes are made, into which the anode rods will be installed. Of course, the holes should be on the same level.

The lid at the galvanic bath must be mandatory. Later, it is screwed to the bath, using a loop, for example, a piano. For sealing, which must be provided between the lid and the bathtub, rubber seals for car doors are perfect - they are sold in any car dealer and must be planted around the perimeter of the bathtub edge. After installing the cover, it should fit snugly against the sides of the bath.

Thus, a bath with an opening lid is obtained, which in turn has a filler opening, which is recommended to be used to connect the ventilation hose.

In the holes previously made in the beads, copper rods are inserted. In their quality, copper tubes with a suitable diameter of 20 mm can be used. In the event that the tube does not have sufficient rigidity, a steel rod is inserted inside. The ends of the tubes must be flattened, and then drilled in them holes, to subsequently connect them to the rectifier.

In conclusion, let us give an example of the stages of one of the processes that can be performed in the above-described bath-galvanizing bath. These stages are:

- Degreasing the product in an organic solvent;

- Chemical degreasing in a solution of alkali;

- Wash the product in hot water ;

- Electrochemical degreasing in alkaline solution;

- Wash in hot water;

- Wash in cold water;

- Activation or etching;

- Directly by galvanizing;

- Lightening with a weak solution of nitric acid (optional);

- Passivation;

- Wash in cold water;

- Wash in warm water, temperature about 40 ° C, but no more;

- Drying the finished product.

We hope that your galvanics at home will open up new opportunities for you!