In the electroplating process, acid zinc and alkaline zinc are two common zinc plating processes, each with its own characteristics and applicable scenarios.
Author: Marisa
In the electroplating process, acid zinc and alkaline zinc are two common zinc plating processes, each with its own characteristics and applicable scenarios. The following is a detailed comparison of acid zinc and alkaline zinc:
1. Process Overview
1) Acid zinc:
a. Use acidic plating solution (such as zinc sulfate, zinc chloride) for electroplating.
b. Suitable for rapid zinc plating at high current density.
2 Alkaline zinc:
1) Use alkaline plating solution (such as sodium hydroxide, zinc cyanide) for electroplating.
2) Suitable for fine zinc plating at low current density.
2. Plating solution composition
1) Acid zinc:
a. Main ingredients: zinc sulfate, zinc chloride, acidic additives.
b. pH value: 4-6.
2) Alkaline zinc:
a. Main ingredients: sodium hydroxide, zinc cyanide, alkaline additives.
b. pH value: 12-14.
3. Process characteristics
1) Acid zinc:
a. Advantages:
Fast plating speed and high production efficiency.
The coating is bright and beautiful in appearance.
Suitable for electroplating of complex-shaped workpieces.
b. Disadvantages:
It is highly corrosive to equipment and has high equipment maintenance costs.
The stability of the plating solution is poor and needs to be adjusted frequently.
2) Alkali zinc:
a. Advantages:
The plating solution has good stability and low maintenance costs.
The coating is uniform and has strong adhesion.
It is less corrosive to equipment and has a long equipment life.
b. Disadvantages:
The plating speed is slow and the production efficiency is low.
The coating has low gloss and its appearance is not as good as acid zinc.
4. Applicable scenarios
1) Acid zinc:
a. It is suitable for occasions that require fast galvanizing and high appearance requirements, such as decorative parts, hardware, etc.
b. It is suitable for electroplating of complex-shaped workpieces.
2) Alkali zinc:
a. It is suitable for occasions that require high corrosion resistance and high adhesion, such as automotive parts, building structural parts, etc.
b. It is suitable for occasions that require high coating uniformity.
5. Environmental protection and safety
1) Acid zinc:
a. Acidic plating solution is highly corrosive to equipment, and anti-corrosion measures need to be taken.
b. Attention should be paid to the neutralization of acidic substances in waste liquid treatment.
2) Alkaline zinc:
a. Alkaline plating solution is less corrosive to equipment, and the equipment maintenance cost is low.
b. Attention should be paid to the neutralization of alkaline substances in waste liquid treatment.
6. Cost comparison
1) Acid zinc: High equipment maintenance cost, frequent plating solution adjustment, and high overall cost.
2) Alkaline zinc: Low equipment maintenance cost, good plating solution stability, and low overall cost.
7. Process selection recommendations
1) Situations for choosing acid zinc: Rapid galvanizing is required, high appearance requirements, and complex workpiece shapes.
2) Situations for choosing alkaline zinc: High corrosion resistance, high adhesion, and high coating uniformity requirements are required.
Summary
Acid zinc and alkaline zinc each have their own advantages and disadvantages and are suitable for different application scenarios. Acid zinc is suitable for fast galvanizing and high appearance requirements, while alkaline zinc is suitable for high corrosion resistance and high adhesion. According to specific production requirements and workpiece characteristics, choosing the appropriate galvanizing process can improve production efficiency and product quality.