Question

Define the terms electro-typing and electro-plating

Answer 1

Hint: First, the process involved in electro-typing and electro-plating should be understood. The
technical procedure in their development and application can give an idea of the terms electro-
typing and electro-plating.
Electrotyping is a chemical method of reproducing a model by forming metal parts. First, a mold is
formed from the model. The electrotyping involves wet chemical process and is done at room
temperature. The material used for the mold is generally soft material. This material of the mold is
made of conducting by adding or coating it with fine graphite powder or paint. A wire is attached
to the conducting area or surface and the mold is suspended in an electrolyte solution.
Electrotyping is activated by electric currents that flow between the wires immersed in the
solution and the wire connected to the mold surface. Electrotyping method was first used in the
application of printing and later on it has been used in artworks.
Electro-plating is a process that uses electric current to create a metal coating on a solid substance by
reducing cations of that metal. The part which is to be coated is the cathode and the anode is either the
block of that metal or some inert conducting material. The electrolyte is a solution of salt of the metal
to be coated. Electroplating is widely used in artworks, where the surface quality can be improved by
removing carrion or abrasion. It is also used to purify metals such as copper.
Note: In the solution, the students need to understand the chemical process involved in
electrotyping and electroplating. Both the terms electrotyping and electroplating employs
chemical methods.