Copper Plating Drum (Core Component of the Plating Machine) and Plating Machine
The copper plating drum and plating machine are key equipment used for roll plating small and bulk workpieces (such as screws, nuts, washers, etc.), ensuring uniform plating layers through the rolling motion of 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 (made from materials like PP, PVC, or stainless steel, which are resistant to acid and alkali corrosion). The surface is covered with small holes that 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 (speed is adjustable, typically between 5 and 30 revolutions per minute).
Conductive System: The conductive device inside the drum (such as conductive shafts or brushes) transmits electrical current to the workpieces, forming the electroplating circuit.
Auxiliary Devices: Includes a circulation and filtration system for the plating solution, a temperature control device (to regulate the plating solution temperature), and other supporting equipment.
After loading the workpieces 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 serve as the cathode, and the anode in the plating tank is the positive terminal).
Through electrolysis, metal ions from the plating solution are evenly deposited onto 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.
High Batch Processing Efficiency: The drum can hold a large number of small parts at once (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 motion 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 the speed must be controlled (too slow may cause accumulation, and too fast may wear out the workpieces or result in dark plating).
Compact Equipment Structure: The machine has a relatively small size, making it suitable for dense workshop layouts, especially 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 plating, by changing the drum speed, current density, and electroplating time to meet different corrosion resistance and decorative needs.
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), copper plating (for conductivity) of small connectors, pins, etc.
Small Household Parts: Decorative electroplating (such as chrome or copper plating) for zipper heads, keychains, small hardware accessories.
The copper plating drum (including electroplating drums) is an efficient device for bulk electroplating of small parts. While it is slightly less suited for precision, delicate 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.
