Status quo and trends in electroplating

Electroplating is still one of the most commonly applied surface refinement processes. Besides the automotive industry, one of the largest acceptor of electroplating surfaces, the domain electrical engineering and electronics, construction, engineering, aviation and aerospace technology, the jewellery industry and the medical-technology (e.g. dental prosthetics) are responsible for the high turnover and development. Constantly rising commodity prices, stricter legal regulations (e.g. EU end-of-life vehicle directive), growing demand profiles of the customers in terms of quality and functionality, and increasing environmental awareness always lead to new challenges. By means of this process innovation is created. This paper gives an overview on the status quo of electroplating. In addition, selected current trends are presented.