Anodic oxidation: using the metal workpiece as the anode, an oxide protective film (e.g., aluminum alumina film for aluminum) is generated by electrolytic reaction in electrolytic solution.
Author: Anna
Difference between anodic oxidation and electroplating
1. Difference in process principle
Anodic oxidation: using the metal workpiece as the anode, an oxide protective film (e.g., aluminum alumina film for aluminum) is generated by electrolytic reaction in electrolytic solution.
Electroplating: Using the workpiece as cathode, the plated metal (e.g. nickel, chromium) ions are reduced and deposited on the surface of the workpiece by electrolysis to form a heterogeneous metal layer.
2. Range of treated objects
Anodizing: mainly applicable to metals that are easy to oxidize such as aluminum, titanium and magnesium.
Electroplating: It can treat metals such as copper, nickel, zinc and even non-metals (such as plastics that need to be metallized before plating).
3. Application scene division
Anodizing:
Industrial field: aviation aluminum alloy parts, automobile engine parts;
Decorative field: electronic product shell (such as cell phone center frame dyeing).
Plating:
Functional: gold plating of electronic connectors (conductivity), hard chrome plating of tools (wear resistance);
Decorative: bathroom hardware Decorative: bathroom hardware, chrome plating, jewelry gold plating.
4. Environmental protection and process limitations
Anodizing:
Low cost of acidic waste treatment (e.g. sulfuric acid system);
Cannot treat metals such as iron and copper.
Electroplating:
Heavy metal-containing waste liquid needs to be treated strictly;
The uniformity of coating thickness depends on process control, and complex workpieces are prone to edge effect.
Conclusion: Anodizing achieves protection and functionalization through in-situ generation of oxide film, while electroplating gives new characteristics to the surface through heterogeneous metal deposition. The two complement each other in terms of process suitability, plating performance and environmental requirements.