Plating On Aluminum Metal

Pure Aluminum will difficult to be electroplate by other metal because aluminum tend to oxidize very fast and other metal will difficult to deposit over the aluminum metal. Pure aluminum on this discussion mean that there is no other metal mixed even aluminum content only 95% or 97%. But aluminum alloy can be electroplated because the properties of this alloy have changed if compare to pure aluminum. Many metals are electrodeposited on aluminum alloys to obtain various decorative and functional finishes. The deposits applied for decorative finishes include chromium, nickel, copper, brass, silver, and gold, as well as alloys and oxidized modifications of these. The function of these electroplate material are like silver applied to improve conductivity, brass to facilitate adhesion of rubber, copper, nickel or tin for assembly by soft soldering, chromium to reduce friction and impart wear resistance; zinc to lubricate threaded part and tin to reduce friction on bearing surface.





It has long been recognize that aluminum and its alloys require specific surface preparation for successful electrodeposition. Such special treatment is necessary because of the high position of aluminum in the electromotive force series and because its relatively impervious and rapidly formed natural oxide film.

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