Iron Plating

the process of electrodeposition of iron on metal articles when direct current is passed through an electrolyte whose main constituent is ferrous sulfate or chloride. The process is extensively used in printing to make plates by electroforming and to apply iron coatings to copper plates to protect them from oxidation by printing ink. Iron plating is also used to restore the dimensions of worn machinery parts. The building up of an iron layer by electrodeposition proceeds at room temperature with an insignificant concentration of acid in the electrolyte at a rate of the order of 1 micron per hr. For repair work, the temperature and acid concentration are increased. The iron layer is deposited more quickly, the ferrous chloride solution is more concentrated, and the temperature is about 100°C.