Electrocleaning is an electrochemical cleaning process used in electroplating to remove stubborn contaminants (oils, oxides, and organic residues) from metal surfaces. It enhances adhesion and plating quality by combining alkaline chemistry with electrical current.
Electrocleaning is an electrochemical cleaning process used in electroplating to remove stubborn contaminants (oils, oxides, and organic residues) from metal surfaces. It enhances adhesion and plating quality by combining alkaline chemistry with electrical current.
Activates the surface for better plating adhesion.
Provides a microscopically clean surface for uniform plating.
Used for critical applications (e.g., automotive, aerospace, electronics).
| Type | Mechanism | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Anodic Electrocleaning (阳极电解清洗) |
Workpiece = Anode (+) (Oxidation removes contaminants & light etching) |
Steel, nickel, copper alloys |
| Cathodic Electrocleaning (阴极电解清洗) |
Workpiece = Cathode (-) (Hydrogen gas scrubs away dirt) |
Zinc, aluminum, sensitive metals |
| Periodic Reverse (PR) Cleaning (周期换向电解清洗) |
Alternates between anodic & cathodic cycles | High-precision plating |
| Parameter | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 3–12 V (DC) | Higher voltage = more aggressive cleaning |
| Current Density | 3–10 A/dm² | Adjust based on metal type |
| Temperature | 50–80°C (122–176°F) | Improves conductivity |
| Time | 30 sec – 5 min | Longer for heavy contamination |
| Solution | Alkaline (NaOH, Na₂CO₃ + additives) | pH 10–13 |
Pre-Cleaning (Soak or spray cleaning to remove bulk oils).
Electrocleaning (Immerse part, apply current).
Rinsing (Immediately after to remove residues).
Acid Activation (Optional, for oxide removal).
✔ Deep cleaning – Removes sub-surface contaminants.
✔ Surface activation – Improves plating adhesion.
✔ Uniformity – Better than mechanical cleaning.
✖ Hydrogen Embrittlement (Cathodic cleaning can introduce H₂ into steel).
✖ Etching Risk (Anodic cleaning may over-etch sensitive metals).
✖ Higher cost vs. soak cleaning (energy & equipment).
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Poor Plating Adhesion | Inadequate cleaning time/current | Increase current density or time |
| White Stains | Residual alkali | Improve rinsing |
| Pitting/Etching | Excessive anodic cleaning | Reduce time/voltage or switch to cathodic |
| Feature | Electrocleaning | Soak Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Power | Stronger (electrochemical action) | Moderate (chemical only) |
| Speed | Faster (30 sec – 5 min) | Slower (5–20 min) |
| Cost | Higher (energy & equipment) | Lower |
| Applications | High-precision plating | General-purpose cleaning |
Electrocleaning is a high-efficiency pre-plating process for critical applications. Proper selection of anodic/cathodic mode, current density, and solution composition ensures optimal results.
Next Step?
For hydrogen-sensitive metals (e.g., high-strength steel), use anodic or PR cleaning.
For soft metals (e.g., zinc, aluminum), prefer cathodic cleaning.