Plating tanks in electroplating plants must be constructed from materials that resist corrosion from acids, alkalis, and other harsh chemicals while maintaining structural integrity. The choice of material depends on the plating process, temperature, and chemical composition of the bath. Below is a detailed breakdown of common materials used for plating tanks: 1. Polypropylene (PP)
Author: Robby
Plating tanks in electroplating plants must be constructed from materials that resist corrosion from acids, alkalis, and other harsh chemicals while maintaining structural integrity. The choice of material depends on the plating process, temperature, and chemical composition of the bath. Below is a detailed breakdown of common materials used for plating tanks:
Best for: Acidic baths (e.g., nickel, copper, tin plating), cyanide baths, and some alkaline cleaners.
Advantages:
Excellent chemical resistance (especially to acids and chlorides).
Lightweight and easy to fabricate.
Non-conductive, preventing stray currents.
Limitations:
Poor resistance to oxidizing acids (e.g., chromic acid in chrome plating).
Softens at high temperatures (>80°C).
Best for: Mild acid baths, rinse tanks, and some alkaline solutions.
Advantages:
Cheaper than PP but still chemically resistant.
Suitable for ambient-temperature processes.
Limitations:
Not suitable for strong acids (e.g., sulfuric acid at high concentrations).
Becomes brittle over time with UV exposure.
Best for: Hot acid baths (e.g., hard chromium plating with sulfuric acid).
Advantages:
Higher temperature resistance than PVC (up to 100°C).
Good resistance to oxidizing agents.
Limitations:
More expensive than PVC.
Limited resistance to certain organic solvents.
Best for: Mixed chemical environments (acid/alkali), chrome plating tanks.
Advantages:
Stronger than PP/PVC, can handle larger tanks.
Resistant to chromic acid (if properly lined with a phenolic resin).
Limitations:
Requires expert fabrication to avoid leaks.
Can degrade under prolonged UV exposure.
Best for: Alkaline baths (e.g., zinc plating, electroless nickel).
Advantages:
High mechanical strength and heat resistance.
Good for high-temperature processes.
Limitations:
Poor resistance to hydrochloric acid and chloride solutions.
Expensive and prone to pitting in acidic environments.
Best for: Highly corrosive baths (e.g., fluoride-based etchants, strong acids).
Advantages:
Exceptional corrosion resistance.
Long lifespan in harsh environments.
Limitations:
Extremely expensive.
Overkill for most standard plating processes.
Best for: Hexavalent chromium baths (traditional chrome plating).
Advantages:
Resistant to chromic acid.
Conducts electricity (useful for anode/cathode setups).
Limitations:
Heavy and difficult to modify.
Environmental concerns (lead toxicity).
Best for: Small-scale or specialty plating (now largely replaced by plastics).
Advantages:
Resistant to almost all chemicals.
Limitations:
Fragile and hard to maintain.
Chemical Compatibility – Must resist the specific acids, alkalis, or salts in the bath.
Temperature Resistance – Some plastics soften at high temps.
Mechanical Strength – Larger tanks may need FRP or steel reinforcement.
Cost – PP/PVC are economical; titanium is premium.
Conductivity – Non-conductive plastics prevent stray currents but require separate anodes.
| Plating Process | Recommended Tank Material |
|---|---|
| Acid Copper | PP, PVC, or FRP |
| Nickel Plating | PP or PVDF (for high-temp baths) |
| Hard Chrome (Hexavalent Cr) | Lead-lined steel or FRP with special liner |
| Zinc Plating (Alkaline) | Stainless steel (316) or PP |
| Tin Plating | PP or PVC |
| Electroless Nickel | PP or stainless steel (if heated) |
Lining Options: Tanks can be lined with PTFE (Teflon) or rubber for extra protection.
Heating/Cooling: Metal tanks (stainless steel, titanium) are better for temperature-controlled baths.
Anode Baskets: Titanium or PP-coated for acidic baths.