Precious Metal Plating Drum (Core Component of the Plating Machine) and Plating Machine

The precious metal plating drum and plating machine are key pieces of equipment used for roll plating small and bulk workpieces (such as screws, nuts, washers, etc.), achieving 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:

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 like PP, PVC, or stainless steel, 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 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 plating solution circulation and filtration system, temperature control device (to adjust the plating solution temperature), and other support equipment.

(2) Working Principle

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 the electrical current (the workpieces serve as the cathode, and the anode in the plating tank is the positive terminal).

Through the electrolysis process, metal ions from the plating solution are deposited evenly on the surface of the workpieces, forming a plating layer. The rotation of the drum ensures that all parts of the workpieces are fully exposed to both the plating solution and the electrical current, preventing uneven plating.

2. Key Features

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 mass production, significantly reducing labor costs.

Good Plating Uniformity: The continuous rolling motion of the workpieces inside the drum reduces problems like 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.

3. Applicable Scenarios

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 precious metal 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.