Finishing - September-October 2023

50 ELECTROPLATING
Making a selection
Selective brush plating is used for chrome
plating repairs or restore worn or
damaged metal surfaces. It involves the
application of a metal coating to the affected
area using an electroplating process. This can
be done without disassembling the
component or structure, making it a highly
efficient and cost-effective repair method.
In the mining industry, selective brush
plating can be used to repair or restore a
range of components, from large machinery
to small parts. This includes everything from
hydraulic rods, rams, and cylinders, bearings
to conveyor belts, and valves. The technique
can repair damage caused by wear and tear,
corrosion, or erosion and even build up worn
or undersized surfaces.
Equipment Longevity and
Efficiency
One of the key benefits of selective brush
plating in the mining industry is its ability to
extend the life of equipment and components.
By repairing and restoring worn or damaged
surfaces, mining companies can reduce the
need for parts to be sent away for stripping
and re-chroming or costly replacements, which
can be both expensive and time-consuming.
This can help to minimize downtime and
increase productivity, which is essential in a
highly competitive and cost-sensitive industry.
Selective brush plating is also highly
versatile, allowing for repairs to be made to
various materials, including ferrous and nonferrous
metals and some plastics and
composites. This makes it an ideal solution for
mining operations' diverse components and
structures. Another advantage is its ability to
be used in situ, without disassembling or
removing the component. This can reduce the
time and cost involved and minimize the risk
of damage during disassembly and
reassembly. This is particularly important in
the mining industry, where large and complex
equipment can be challenging to move and
repair.
Selective brush plating can help to improve
the safety of mining operations. The risk of
failure and subsequent accidents can be
minimized by repairing or restoring worn or
damaged components before failure or a
catastrophic event. This can help protect the
health and well-being of mining workers and
reduce the risk of damage to equipment and
the environment.
A More Sustainable Solution
In addition to its practical benefits, selective
brush plating can be a more sustainable
solution than traditional repair methods.
Reducing the need for replacements and
minimizing waste can reduce the
environmental impact of mining operations.
This is particularly important given the
significant impact that mining can have on
local ecosystems and communities.
Overall, selective brush plating is an
essential technique for the mining industry,
providing a range of efficiency, costeffectiveness,
safety, and sustainability benefits.
By using this method of repair and restoration,
mining companies can extend the life of their
equipment and components, reduce the risk
of failure and accidents, and minimize their
environmental impact. As such, selective brush
plating should be considered an essential tool
for any mining operation looking to improve
its performance and minimize its effects.
The Portable and Fully
Automated Electroplating
System
In the realm of plating automation,
innovation continues to advance at an
impressive rate. The most recent breakthrough
manifests as a completely portable automated
electroplating system. SIFCO ASC’s Advanced
Solution Control System (ASCS) boasts stateof-the-art
dripless functionality, eliminating the
need for drip trays and ensuring that all
chemicals are returned to the machine. As a
result, it creates a cleaner, more
environmentally friendly, and safer working
environment.
While this system is suitable for many
applications, SIFCO ASC also offers custom
robotic automation for frequent, repetitive
repairs. This revolutionary development
significantly enhances throughput and
productivity while reducing manual handling.
It proves ideal for tasks that require swift
turnaround without the ergonomic risk.
Finishing - September/October 2023