Nickel Plating Drum (Core Component of the Plating Machine) and Plating Machine
The nickel plating drum and plating machine are key pieces of equipment used for roll plating small and bulk workpieces (such as screws, nuts, washers, etc.). They ensure a uniform plating layer by rotating the workpieces inside the drum. Below is an introduction to the core structure, working principle, features, and applications:
Drum: The core component of the plating machine, typically a perforated cylindrical container (usually made of PP, PVC, or stainless steel, which are resistant to acid and alkali corrosion). The surface is covered with small holes to allow the plating solution to circulate, and it is used to load the workpieces to be plated.
Plating Tank: A tank that holds the plating solution, which works in conjunction with the drum. It contains an anode (either a metal or inert electrode) and a conductive device.
Drive System: A motor drives the drum to rotate via gears or chains (the speed is adjustable, typically between 5 to 30 revolutions per minute).
Conductive System: The conductive device inside the drum (such as a conductive shaft or brushes) transmits electrical current to the workpieces, forming the electroplating circuit.
Auxiliary Devices: Includes a plating solution circulation and filtration system, temperature control devices (to regulate the plating solution temperature), and other supporting equipment.
Once the workpieces are loaded into the drum, the drum is immersed in the plating solution and rotates slowly. The workpieces tumble and collide inside the drum, while the conductive device transmits electrical current (the workpieces act as the cathode, and the anode in the plating tank serves as the positive electrode).
Through the process of electrolysis, metal ions from the plating solution are evenly deposited on the surface of the workpieces, forming a uniform plating layer. The rotation of the drum ensures that all parts of the workpieces are fully exposed to the plating solution and electrical current, preventing uneven plating.
High Batch Processing Efficiency: The drum can hold a large number of small parts at once (ranging from hundreds to thousands), eliminating the need for individual clamping. This is ideal for large-scale production and significantly reduces labor costs.
Good Plating Uniformity: The continuous rolling of the workpieces inside the drum reduces issues such as overlapping or shielding. Compared to hanging plating, this method is better suited for small parts, though it is necessary to control the speed (too slow may cause accumulation, and too fast may cause wear on the workpieces or result in dark plating).
Compact Equipment Structure: The machine has a relatively small size, making it suitable for dense workshop layouts, particularly in small to medium-sized factories.
Strong Process Adaptability: The plating process can be adjusted for various coatings, such as zinc, nickel, copper, and tin, by adjusting drum speed, current density, and electroplating time to meet different corrosion resistance and decorative needs.
Mainly 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), copper plating (for conductivity) of small connectors, pins, etc.
Small Household Parts: Decorative electroplating (e.g., chrome plating, copper plating) for zipper heads, keychains, small hardware accessories.
The nickel plating drum (including electroplating drums) is an efficient device for bulk electroplating of small parts. Although it is somewhat less suitable for precision, fragile items (such as miniature electronic components) due to potential 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.
