This is how I managed to electroplate a Steel Sprocket with a Copper Plate at home by using only household and over the counter products using Electrolysis.
The final finish was good, although there were some imperfections that were caused by my insufficient part preparation, so make sure your part is fully prepared and cleaned before it is plated.
This process produced a thin copper coating, if the part is electroplated for longer, the coating will be thicker.
This method will give you a cosmetic finish, for a more durable finsih, amore industrial method of electroplating is needed
For the electrolyte, I used 1 gram of Baking Soda per 25ml of Water. In imperial measurements this would be around 6.5 ounces to each gallon of water. The pinch of salt is optional.
If you are using a mobile phone charger as your power supply and you don't have a voltage tester, you can determine the positive & negative wires by watching the electrolyte process. The copper electrode that is bubbling is connected to the negative.
Finally but most importantly make sure that you wear the correct PPE when handling chemicals, check the packaging of your products for recommendations
21 авг 2024
