Galvanoplasty – electroplating

The creation of metallic coatings using electroplating technologies is a long‑established electrolytic deposition process that enables the production of functional metallic layers (hard chrome, gold, copper, nickel, nickel sulfamate, silver, zinc, zinc‑iron, zinc‑nickel, tin, etc.).

This process relies on the use of direct current to deposit the desired metal onto the workpiece (cathode), using an anode that is compatible with the targeted coating. Our expertise also includes the deposition of conductive polymers through electropolymerization.

We master a wide range of deposition methods adapted to complex geometries and industrial constraints:

• Still‑bath deposition: Ensures highly uniform coating control, suitable for sensitive parts or applications requiring high precision.
• Barrel plating (bulk processing): Ideal for the treatment of small components requiring batch production, offering an excellent quality‑to‑cost ratio.
• Brush plating (selective processes): A flexible, localized solution suitable for repairs, partial coatings, or adjustments on critical areas.

Services offered by Materia Nova’s Electroplating Team

🎓 Comprehensive Training Program

Materia Nova provides a complete theoretical and practical training program delivered directly on a pilot‑scale electroplating line.

These training sessions are open to:

• students wishing to acquire skills in surface treatment processes,
• industrial partners seeking to upskill their workforce or deepen their understanding of electrochemical processes.

The program can be tailored to specific needs: electrochemical fundamentals, safety, process optimization, quality control, bath diagnostics, and more.

♻️ Development of Alternative Baths & Regulatory Compliance

We actively develop alternative plating baths to anticipate and address:

• REACH regulations,
• restrictions related to Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC),
• requirements for the replacement of hexavalent chromium.

🔍 Diagnostics & Industrial Troubleshooting

With our advanced characterization platform, we perform:

• comprehensive defect analysis of deposited layers,
• investigation of process parameters (agitation, current density, geometry, temperature, etc.),
• electroplating bath diagnostics,
• development of tailor‑made methodologies.

🧪 Nickel Alloy Formulation for Advanced Applications

We design and optimize various nickel‑based alloys to improve corrosion resistance, tribological behavior, electrical conductivity, or catalytic performance.

🔬 Deposit Texturing & Controlled Microstructures

We master techniques enabling the creation of durable and textured microstructures. These advanced features can:

• optimize electrochemical performance,
• enhance electrolysis efficiency,
• control wettability, roughness, or friction.