Mechanical plating

Mechanical attrition enhanced Ni electroplating

“…We used solid glass balls with diameter of 1-7 mm to peen the cathode surface, so the Ni dendrites deposited at a high current density could be cold-welded together to form compact coatings. This action was also described in the mechanical plating process [17]. On the other hand, the hard particles used in the earlier work of high speed plating were small and porous, so the coatings were loosen and easy to remove.…”

Deposition processes and properties of coatings on steel fasteners — A review

“…The pH values of the plating solutions have to be controlled within 1 to 2 in order to maintain an oxide free condition for the parts and the metal particles [53]. A complete cycle of mechanical plating process takes approximately 25-45 minutes, depending on the coating thickness [57]. Once the desired thickness has achieved, the parts will be fully rinsed with water, discharged from barrel and then the glass beads will be removed for reuse [55].…”

“…The process has 92% efficiency, which indicates that approximately 92% of the added metal powders are effectively plated on the parts [53]. The metal powders may also be added in the form of aqueous slurry for better coating uniformity [57]. The mechanical plating process depends greatly on the impact energy, which is transferred from either the glass beads, the metal particles or the adjacent parts [57].…”

“…The metal powders may also be added in the form of aqueous slurry for better coating uniformity [57]. The mechanical plating process depends greatly on the impact energy, which is transferred from either the glass beads, the metal particles or the adjacent parts [57]. As a result, the size of the glass beads, the ratio of glass beads to parts, the metal particles size, the barrel rotation speed and the barrel angle are important parameters to achieve quality coatings with a desired thickness [53,57].…”

“…The mechanical plating process depends greatly on the impact energy, which is transferred from either the glass beads, the metal particles or the adjacent parts [57]. As a result, the size of the glass beads, the ratio of glass beads to parts, the metal particles size, the barrel rotation speed and the barrel angle are important parameters to achieve quality coatings with a desired thickness [53,57]. The kinetic energy from the tumbling is transferred to the spherical particles and cause some of them to peen weld together, and therefore, the final shapes of the deposited metal particles are normally distorted, usually exhibiting flat or dish shapes [57].…”