Electroplaters

Description

Electroplaters operate continuous plant to coat metal parts and articles electrolytically, form metal articles by electro- and vacuum-deposition, dip and spray articles with another metal, plastic powder or other material and treat articles chemically to produce desired surface finishes.

Tasks

• cleans and rinses article or pre-shaped form to be coated
• masks area not to be covered with wax, resistant adhesive tape or other material
• fits appropriate nozzle on spray gun, loads spray gun with appropriate coating material and prepares electrolytic solutions
• sets machine, plant, or equipment controls to regulate electric current and temperature of molten zinc, tin, chromium, copper or other non-ferrous metal
• immerses articles in plating solutions or sprays article until required thickness of coating has been deposited
• removes article from solution and centrifuges, if necessary, to remove excess molten metal before cooling.

Educational Requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements. Training is typically provided on-the-job. NVQs/ SVQs in Product Coating are available at Levels 2 and 3.