Precision Electroplating Drum (Core Component of the Plating Machine) and Plating Machine**
The precision electroplating drum and plating machine are key equipment for roll plating small and bulk workpieces (such as screws, nuts, washers, etc.), achieving uniform plating layers through the rotation of workpieces inside the drum. Below is an introduction to the core structure, working principle, features, and applications:
1. Basic Structure and Working Principle
(1) Core Components
Drum**: The core component of the plating machine, typically a perforated cylindrical container (made of materials such as PP, PVC, or stainless steel, which are resistant to acid and alkali corrosion). The surface is covered with small holes to allow plating solution circulation, and it is used to load the workpieces to be plated.
Plating Tank**: The tank that holds the plating solution, working in conjunction with the drum. It contains the anode (metal or inert electrode) and the conductive device.
Drive System**: A motor drives the drum to rotate via gears or chains (speed is adjustable, typically 5-30 revolutions per minute).
Conductive System**: The conductive device inside the drum (such as conductive shafts or brushes) transmits current to the workpieces, forming the electroplating circuit.
Auxiliary Devices**: Includes a plating solution circulation and filtration system, temperature control device (for adjusting the plating solution temperature), etc.
(2) Working Principle
After the workpieces are loaded into the drum, the drum is immersed in the plating solution and slowly rotates. The workpieces roll and collide within the drum, while the conductive device connects the current (workpieces are the cathode, and the anode is in the plating tank). Under the influence of electrolysis, metal ions in the plating solution are evenly deposited on the surface of the workpieces, forming a plating layer. The rotation of the drum ensures that all parts of the workpieces come into full contact with the plating solution and current, preventing uneven plating.
2. Key Features
High Batch Processing Efficiency**: The drum can hold a large number of small items at once (from hundreds to thousands of pieces), eliminating the need for individual clamping. This is suitable for large-scale production and significantly reduces labor costs.
Good Plating Uniformity**: As the workpieces continuously roll within the drum, the issue of overlapping or shielding is reduced. Compared to hanging plating, it is more suitable for small parts, although speed must be controlled (too slow can lead to accumulation, and too fast may wear out the workpieces or cause dark plating layers).
Compact Equipment Structure**: The machine has a relatively small size, making it suitable for dense workshop layouts, especially for small and medium-sized factories.
Strong Process Adaptability**: The plating process can be adjusted for various coatings, such as zinc plating, nickel plating, copper plating, and tin plating, by changing the drum speed, current density, and electroplating time, to meet different corrosion resistance and decorative needs.
3. Applicable Scenarios
The precision electroplating drum is primarily used for bulk electroplating of small rigid workpieces, such as:
Hardware Standard Parts**: Zinc plating (for rust prevention), nickel plating (for wear resistance) of screws, nuts, washers, small springs, etc.
Electronic Components**: Tin plating (for enhanced solderability) and copper plating (for conductivity) of small connectors, pins, etc.
Small Household Parts**: Decorative electroplating (such as chrome or copper plating) for zipper heads, keychains, and small hardware accessories.
The precision electroplating drum (including electroplating drums) is an efficient device for bulk electroplating of small parts. While it is slightly less suitable for precision, delicate items (such as miniature electronic components) due to possible wear from collisions, it is widely used in standardized small part production. It is a key piece of equipment for improving batch production efficiency in the electroplating industry.