Dorsetware Limited

Electroplating is the process in which a type of metal coating is applied to various objects. And whether noticed or not, this process often forms a hidden part of our daily lives.

Metals make up many of the objects around us, and thanks to the advantages of electroplating – durability, aesthetics, electricity conduction, lack of friction, and more – the demand for this process continues to rise. Today, we’re looking at 7 examples of electroplating as used in daily life.

1. Kitchenware

Many household items in the kitchen alone are electroplated. The most common reason for this is to prolong their endurance and aesthetics.

Cutlery, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, and sink taps are a few electroplating examples which we find and use day-to-day. For example, silverware cutlery is electroplated to help retain its appearance and prevent tarnishing. Without the correct application of metal coating, water and oxidisation will otherwise cause the cutlery to corrode.

2. Machinery Parts

Machinery parts are another example of electroplating used in daily life. If these were not electroplated, they would rust and deteriorate rapidly. As a result, machinery parts would need frequent replacement and manufacturing to be suitable for use.

Stainless steel and iron are commonly used for machinery parts, but their longevity is largely due to electroplating. Expert plating companies such as Dorsetware provide electroplating services for machinery parts so that they have the protective barrier required for application.

3. Mobile Phones

Mobile phones are one of the biggest uses of electroplating that often go unnoticed. Several parts found within mobile phones are plated with metals to prevent corrosion or any reaction between each other. This not only makes phones safer to use but will also increase their lifetime performance.

Mobile phone parts are also often coated in silver and gold plating to increase conductivity. In particular, gold plating can be a cost-effective solution versus using solid gold components.

4. Jewellery

Another common application for electroplating is on jewellery, specifically to help maintain appearance and durability. This is a cost-effective method for increasing the wear and tear of these items without needing to use expensive metals.

Like the electroplating example stated above, jewellery can be plated with gold to make it more attractive and affordable.

5. Coins

Coins are a great example of electroplating used in daily life.

Given how frequently coins are passed from one person to the next, their durability overtime is one of their most important attributes. The application of electroplating therefore ensures the brittle metal used for the core of each coin is strong and hard enough for such heavy use. It will also help prevent corrosion, ensuring each coin remains useable and retains its value.

6. Car Parts

Cars are an essential component of daily life, and the individual car parts that make up these vehicles are regularly plated with metal to sustain performance and endurance. For instance, one of the best electroplating examples for car parts is wheel rims.

It’s unsurprising that electroplating services are widely used for commercial applications within the automotive industry. Without them, vehicle parts would decay at a much faster rate. This would then lead to having to re-make and re-fit car parts more often.

7. Building Structures

Architectural building structures such as bridges, are one of the many examples of electroplating used in daily life. With exposure to unpredictable weather conditions – including rain, storms, and wind – bridges require electroplating to increase their wear and tear.

You will occasionally see bridges or structures with visible signs of rusting. These will not have undergone any electroplating services. Eventually, the structures will need replacement and refitting to prevent them becoming unusable.

Electroplating services are increasingly essential for a broad range of industries. At Dorsetware, we offer electroplating services to all business types, and our processes can be tailored to meet your exact requirements and specifications. To learn more about the services we provide, get in touch with us today. Call 01202 677939 or request a quote on our contact us page.

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