Laboratory Electroplating Drum (Core Component of the Rolling Plating Machine) and Rolling Plating Machine**

The laboratory electroplating drum (core component of the rolling plating machine) and rolling plating machine are essential equipment for the rolling plating of small, batch-type workpieces (such as screws, nuts, washers, etc.). The plating process is achieved through the rotation of the workpieces inside the drum, ensuring an even coating. Below is an introduction covering the core structure, working principle, features, and applications:

1. Basic Structure and Working Principle

(1) Core Components

Rolling Drum**: The core component of the rolling plating machine, usually a perforated cylindrical container made from materials like PP, PVC, or stainless steel, which are resistant to acid and alkali corrosion. The surface is covered with small holes to allow plating solution flow, and it holds the workpieces to be plated.

Plating Tank**: The container that holds the plating solution, used in conjunction with the drum. It contains the anode (metal or inert electrode) and conductive devices.

Drive System**: A motor drives the drum to rotate via gears or chains (the speed is adjustable, typically between 5-30 rpm).

Conductive System**: Conductive devices inside the drum (such as conductive shafts or brushes) transmit the current to the workpieces, forming the electrolysis circuit.

Auxiliary Devices**: These include the plating solution circulation and filtration system, temperature control devices (to adjust the plating solution temperature), etc.

(2) Working Principle

Once the workpieces are loaded into the drum, the drum is immersed in the plating solution and rotates slowly. As the drum turns, the workpieces roll and collide inside, while the conductive devices connect the current (the workpieces are the cathode, and the anode in the plating tank is the anode). Through electrolysis, metal ions from the plating solution are evenly deposited onto the workpieces’ surfaces, forming a coating. The rotation of the drum ensures that all areas of the workpieces are fully exposed to the plating solution and the current, avoiding uneven plating on any part of the workpieces.

2. Core Features

High Batch Processing Efficiency**: The drum can carry a large number of small parts (from hundreds to thousands) at once without the need to clamp each item individually, making it ideal for mass production and significantly reducing labor costs.

Good Coating Uniformity**: Since the workpieces continuously roll inside the drum, issues like overlapping or shielding are minimized. This is more suitable for small parts compared to hanging plating, though the rotation speed needs to be controlled (too slow leads to pile-ups, while too fast can cause wear on workpieces or result in dark coatings).

Compact Equipment Structure**: The relatively small size of the equipment makes it suitable for high-density workshop layouts, especially for small- to medium-sized processing plants.

Strong Process Adaptability**: By adjusting the drum speed, current density, and electroplating time, the machine can accommodate various plating processes such as zinc plating, nickel plating, copper plating, tin plating, etc., meeting different corrosion resistance and decorative needs.

3. Applicable Scenarios

It is primarily used for the batch electroplating of small rigid workpieces, such as:

Hardware Standard Parts**: Zinc plating (for rust prevention), nickel plating (for wear resistance) on screws, nuts, washers, small springs, etc.

Electronic Components**: Tin plating (to enhance solderability) or copper plating (for conductivity) on small connectors and pins.

Small Household Hardware**: Decorative plating (e.g., chrome or copper plating) on zipper pulls, keychains, and small metal accessories.

The laboratory electroplating drum (including the electroplating drum) is an efficient device for batch electroplating small parts. While its adaptability to precision or fragile items (such as microelectronic components) may be slightly weaker (due to potential wear from collisions), it is widely used in standardized small part production and is a key device for improving batch production efficiency in the electroplating industry.