Patent ID: 6368467
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: C25D

Abstract:
An electrolytic process for metal-coating the surface of a workpiece of an electrically conductive material, which process comprises:i) providing an electrolytic cell with a cathode comprising the surface of the workpiece and an anode; ii) introducing an electrolyte comprising an aqueous solution containing one or more water soluble compounds of the metal or water soluble compounds of the metal or metals to be deposited on the surface of the workpiece into the zone created between the anode and the cathode in a manner such that the cathode is bathed but not immersed in the said electrolyte; and iii) applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode so as to create an electrical plasma arc between the anode and cathode and creating deposition of said metal or metals from said electrolyte onto the surface of the cathode, said anode being made of a metal or metals other than said metal or metals in said electrolyte.