In applications like plating, a special process that uses electricity to literally, transfers atoms of metal to another metal. This is known as metal plating, and lead anodes and cathodes are commonly used in the process. Why is lead so popular, let’s look a little closer at this material to give you a better idea?
Defining Anode and Cathode
If you want electric current to flow through a medium, you need conductors. By placing two conductors with opposite charges into a medium, electrons flow from one conductor to another. Now suppose you want to do some simple electroplating. You can take an iron nail, copper penny, and some acidic solution like vinegar or lemon juice. Place the copper and nail in the mild acid and let it set for at least thirty minutes or so.
During the process, you create a weak battery that causes electrons to flow from the anode (penny) to the cathode (nail). This is the basics of electroplating. However, for most processes, lead anodes are used to direct the flow of electricity. Unlike the copper penny (which is a soluble anode) lead-alloy anodes are used to conduct electricity through a solution, so the process of plating can be more effective.
Choosing the Best Anode Source
Not all lead anodes are the same, and some may have a wide range of alloys with the lead. When you choose a source for your anodes, make sure to use a company that specializes in lead products and understands the plating industry. They can give you anodes made from lead alloys that resist corrosion and provide maximum conductivity. You can place any size order, and they are there to give you what you need. This includes providing the necessary documents for process validation and fabricated assembly services. They also are there to assist you with your lead recycling needs.
