The electroplating of sofa leg hardware is a common technique in the production of metal products. This method has been used for a long time and is quite mature. It has been widely applied to our furniture hardware products. Through this process, we can usually achieve various metallic color effects, such as high gloss and semi-gloss, which contribute to the distinctiveness of furniture products. This treatment adds a highlight to the product design.

 

Principle of Electroplating

Electroplating is the process where metal or alloy is deposited uniformly, densely, and with good adhesion on the surface of a workpiece through electrolysis.

 

Uses of Electroplating Process

Corrosion protection, decorative protection, and electrical performance: Depending on the working requirements of the parts, electroplating can provide conductive or insulating coatings.

 

Electroplating Process

For metal parts, common metals including iron and various alloys (stainless steel usually does not require electroplating) can be plated but require different activation treatments, and the surface quality can vary significantly. The basic process of electroplating includes hanging, degreasing, pickling, neutralization, catalysis, de-zincification, chemical nickel, pre-plating nickel, bright copper, semi-bright nickel, and then bright nickel-cobalt, with a final step of taking down the workpiece. Electroplating requires a low-voltage, high-current power supply and an electrolytic cell composed of electroplating solution, the workpiece to be plated (cathode), and the anode.

 

Composition of Electroplated Layers

Common electroplated layers after plating are mainly copper, nickel, and chromium metal deposition layers. Under ideal conditions, the total thickness is about 0.02mm, but in actual production, due to the base material and surface quality, the thickness is usually much greater than this value.

 

Common Sofa Leg Electroplating Effects

1. High-gloss Electroplating

The high-gloss electroplating effect typically requires a well-polished mold surface, and the processed hardware parts are treated with bright chrome to achieve the effect.

 

2. Semi-gloss Electroplating

The semi-gloss electroplating effect typically requires a well-polished mold surface, and the processed hardware parts are treated with semi-bright chrome to achieve the effect.

 

3. Pearlescent Chrome

The pearlescent chrome electroplating effect typically requires a well-polished mold surface, and the processed hardware parts are treated with pearl chrome to achieve the effect.

 

4. Textured Electroplating

The textured electroplating effect typically requires the mold surface to be treated with different textured etching methods, and the processed hardware parts are treated with bright chrome to achieve the effect.

 

5. Combination Electroplating

The mold treatment includes both polished and textured parts, and the processed hardware parts exhibit a combination of high-gloss and textured electroplating effects, highlighting certain local features.

 

6. Local Electroplating

By using different methods, the surface of the finished part is partially left un-plated, creating a contrast with the plated parts, forming a unique design style.

 

7. Colored Electroplating

By using different electroplating solutions, the metal deposited on the hardware part surface after electroplating will reflect different lusters, creating a unique effect.

 

Cost of Sofa Leg Electroplating Process

The cost of electroplated hardware parts mainly depends on the complexity of the plating process and the size of the surface area. Generally, the cost of a part is mainly due to the process. Here are some explanations for some known processes: taking a standard high-gloss electroplated part as a reference; the price for a semi-gloss electroplated effect will be about 30% more expensive.

 

Zhuokai Furniture Hardware Factory specializes in the production of sofa legs and other hardware accessories. With many years of experience in producing furniture accessories, it has always maintained high quality and high output production accuracy. The furniture leg accessories it supplies have always been trusted by international trade friends.