Electroplating is a crucial metalworking process with high demands on efficiency and safety. An often overlooked but critical factor is the proper covering of the electrolyte baths. Floating beads offer significant improvements in several areas. This article explains how floating beads can revolutionize the electroplating process.
Challenges of electroplating
1. Evaporation and acid mist
During the electroplating process, the chemicals in the electrolyte baths heat up significantly, causing intense evaporation. This results in the formation of acid mist, which causes several problems:
- Required powerful extraction system: To remove the acid mist, expensive and energy-intensive extraction systems are necessary.
- HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) concerns: The harmful fumes and gases released pose a health hazard to workers and pollute the environment.
- heat and material losses: Evaporation leads to significant energy losses and the consumption of expensive chemicals.
- Corrosion: The acid mist causes corrosion of the factory's metal structures and equipment, requiring frequent and expensive maintenance.
The solution: floating balls as a cover
Floating balls offer an effective solution to the challenges mentioned. By applying a layer of floating balls to the electrolyte baths, numerous advantages can be realized:
1. Reduction of heat and material losses
The floating ball layer insulates the surface of the electrolyte bath, which significantly reduces evaporation. Studies show that heat and material losses can be reduced by up to 75%. This leads to a significant reduction in operating costs.
2. Minimization of harmful gases and vapors
The floating balls prevent harmful gases and vapors from entering the environment. The reduction is an impressive 85-90%. This creates a safer and healthier working environment and reduces the burden on the environment.
3. Efficient extraction systems
With floating balls, a powerful suction system is no longer necessary. A less powerful system is sufficient, which leads to further cost savings.
4. Protection against corrosion
The drastic reduction in acid mist means that metal structures and equipment are subjected to less stress. This significantly reduces corrosion damage and extends the service life of the equipment. Maintenance costs are also reduced.
Economical advantages
The investment in floating balls usually pays for itself within a few months. The savings in heating, material, electricity and maintenance costs are considerable. With current electricity and raw material prices, companies can significantly reduce their operating costs and increase their competitiveness by using floating balls.
Floating balls are a simple but extremely effective solution to improve the electroplating process. They help reduce costs, increase safety and protect the environment. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of floating balls or are interested in implementing one, please feel free to contact us!
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availability of the balls
| Dia (mm) | Type | Description | balls/m² | HDPE | PP | PVDF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Standard | 10mm Bullet | 11.600 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 15 | Special | 15mm Bullet | 5.150 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 20 | Standard | 20mm Bullet | 2.900 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 25 | Standard | 25mm Bullet | 1.850 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 33 | Special | 33mm Bullet | 1.060 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 36 | Special | 36mm Bullet | 895 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 38 | Standard | 38mm Bullet | 800 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 45 | Standard | 45mm Bullet | 570 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 50 | Standard | 50mm Bullet | 465 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 60 | Standard | 60mm Bullet | 320 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 70 | Standard | 70mm Bullet | 235 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 100 | Standard | 100mm Bullet | 116 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 125 | Standard | 125mm Bullet | 74 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 150 | Standard | 150mm Bullet | 52 | ✔ | ✔ | |

