Electroplating vs. Anodizing — What's the Difference?

A technique used in manufacturing to improve corrosion resistance.

Used to increase surface resistance and durability.

Used decoratively in jewelry and arts.

An electrochemical process that thickens and toughens the naturally occurring protective oxide on aluminum.

The process of coating a metal object with a thin layer of another metal by electrolysis.

Often employed to add color to metal surfaces through dyeing.

A method for adding electrical conductivity to non-metals.

Involves an electrical current that forms an oxide layer from the base metal itself.

A process utilized in various industries including automotive and electronics.

A technique that is integral to the production of medical devices.

Electroplating is a general name for processes that create a metal coating on a solid substrate through the reduction of cations of that metal by means of a direct electric current. The part to be coated acts as the cathode (negative electrode) of an electrolytic cell; the electrolyte is a solution of a salt of the metal to be coated; and the anode (positive electrode) is usually either a block of that metal, or of some inert conductive material.

Anodizing is an electrolytic passivation process used to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts. The process is called anodizing because the part to be treated forms the anode electrode of an electrolytic cell.

To coat or cover with a thin layer of metal by electrodeposition.

To coat (a metallic surface) electrolytically with a protective or decorative oxide.

Present participle of electroplate

Present participle of anodize

A process of coating the surfaces of a metal object with a layer of a different metal through electrochemical means, usually to exploit different properties of the materials.

The art or process of depositing a coating (commonly) of silver, gold, or nickel on an inferior metal, by means of an electric current. The metal to be deposited on an article is usually used as the anode and the article to be plated as the cathode, in an electrolyte solution in which the plating metal is the cation. The process is conducted in a tank called an electroplating bath, which holds the electrolyte solution.

Electroplating can produce hazardous waste and toxic metals, requiring careful handling and disposal.

While primarily used for aluminum, anodizing can also be applied to titanium and some other non-ferrous metals.

Yes, but the plastic must be made conductive through a sensitizing and activating process first.

Most commonly, metals like copper, nickel, silver, and gold are used for electroplating.

Anodized finishes are highly durable and resistant to corrosion and wear, making them suitable for high-wear environments.

Industries such as automotive, electronics, aerospace, and jewelry frequently use electroplating.

Yes, particularly if exposed to UV light or harsh chemicals, anodized colors may fade.

Yes, anodized parts are fully recyclable without any degradation of the metal.

Anodizing uses fewer toxic chemicals than some other processes, and the by-products are often recyclable.

Yes, the oxide layer produced by anodizing can enhance electrical insulation properties.

Anodizing is mainly limited to specific metals and cannot provide the lustrous finish typical of some metals like gold or silver through electroplating.

An anodized layer can range from 5 micrometers to 25 micrometers thick.

While it provides a durable coating, electroplating can wear off over time, especially on high-contact surfaces.

Electroplated layers can be removed chemically or through abrasive techniques.

The electrolyte in electroplating contains metal ions that are deposited onto the cathode surface.