Electroplating in the 19th and 20th Centuries – Rapid Development
These discoveries spurred further advancements in metal electroplating. In the 19th century, Carl Wilhelm Siemens developed more precise methods for controlling the thickness of electroplated layers. This allowed for greater protection and refinement of various products.
By the 20th century, electroplating had become a standard technique for protecting steel and iron from corrosion, especially in industries such as construction, automotive, and shipbuilding. Electro-galvanizing was widely used in manufacturing pipes, sheets, and industrial components, even during World War I and II. Metals such as nickel and chrome were also introduced, adding both protective and aesthetic qualities.
The Applications of Electroplating – Why Is It Done?
Today, electroplating is a complex set of processes that improve the mechanical and electrical properties of metal elements, enhancing their durability, reliability, and aesthetics. Electroplating is most commonly used to:
- Improve electrical and thermal conductivity;
- Protect metals from corrosion, oxidation, and mechanical damage;
- Harden surfaces;
- Provide antibacterial properties;
- Enhance the aesthetic appeal of various items.
Electroplating is applied to a wide range of metal products, including fasteners (e.g., bolts and nuts), pipes, sheets, fences, gates, automotive parts, tools, jewellery, and even furniture. Industrial electroplating is present in nearly every aspect of our lives, improving the quality and durability of the objects we use daily or that surround us.