Handheld Electroplating Drum (Core Component of Plating Machine)
The Handheld Electroplating Drum and the Plating Machine are essential equipment for plating small and batch parts, such as screws, nuts, washers, etc. These devices use the rolling action inside the drum to achieve a uniform plating layer on the parts. Below is an introduction to the core structure, working principle, features, and applications of the device:
Drum: The core component of the plating machine, typically a cylindrical container with perforations (made of PP, PVC, or stainless steel, which are acid and alkali resistant). The surface of the drum is covered with small holes that allow the plating solution to circulate, and the drum holds the workpieces to be plated.
Plating Tank: The tank that holds the plating solution and is used in conjunction with the drum. It contains the anode (made of metal or inert electrodes) and electrical conductive systems.
Drive System: An electric motor drives the drum via gears or chains. The rotation speed is adjustable, usually ranging from 5 to 30 revolutions per minute (rpm).
Conductive System: The conductive system inside the drum (such as conductive shafts or brushes) transmits the electrical current to the workpieces, forming an electroplating circuit.
Auxiliary Systems: Includes the plating solution circulation filtration system and temperature control devices to regulate the solution temperature.
Once the workpieces are loaded into the drum, the drum is submerged in the plating solution and rotates slowly. The workpieces continuously tumble and collide within the drum, while an electrical current is passed through the conductive system (with the workpieces acting as the cathode and the anode in the plating tank providing the positive charge). Under the effect of electrolysis, metal ions in the solution are evenly deposited on the surface of the workpieces, forming the plating layer. The rotation of the drum ensures that all parts of the workpieces come into contact with the plating solution and electrical current, preventing uneven plating layers.
High Batch Processing Efficiency: The drum can load a large number of small parts (from hundreds to thousands), eliminating the need for individual fixtures, making it suitable for large-scale production and significantly reducing labor costs.
Good Coating Uniformity: The continuous rolling of the workpieces inside the drum reduces issues like overlapping and shadowing, ensuring a uniform coating. This is especially beneficial for small parts compared to hanging plating, although the rotation speed needs to be controlled (too slow can cause piling, too fast can lead to part wear or uneven plating).
Compact Equipment Design: The drum is relatively small and suitable for dense workshop layouts, making it especially ideal for small- to medium-sized processing factories.
Strong Process Adaptability: By adjusting the drum rotation speed, current density, and plating time, the device can accommodate various plating processes such as zinc, nickel, copper, and tin coatings, meeting different corrosion resistance and decorative needs.
The Handheld Electroplating Drum is primarily used for batch electroplating of small rigid parts, such as:
Hardware Standard Parts: Zinc plating (rust prevention) or nickel plating (wear resistance) on screws, nuts, washers, small springs, etc.
Electronic Components: Tin plating (improving solderability) or copper plating (electrical conductivity) on small connectors and pins.
Small Household Items: Decorative electroplating (such as chrome or copper plating) on zipper heads, keychains, small hardware accessories, etc.
The Handheld Electroplating Drum is an efficient device for batch electroplating of small items. While it may not be ideal for delicate or easily damaged parts (like microelectronic components, due to potential collision wear), it is widely used in standardized small-item production. This device plays a crucial role in enhancing batch production efficiency in the electroplating industry.
