Electroplating applies a surface coating (typically by electro deposition) to provide corrosion protection, wear or erosion resistance, anti-frictional characteristics or for decorative purposes.

The electroplating of common metals includes the processes in which a ferrous or nonferrous basis material is electroplated with copper, nickel, chromium, zinc, tin, lead, cadmium, iron, aluminum or combinations thereof. Precious metals electroplating includes the processes in which a ferrous or non- ferrous basis material is plated with gold, silver, palladium, platinum, rhodium, or combinations thereof.