--- title: "Electroplating vs electroforming: what's the difference?" description: "Electroplating vs. electroforming: they are not the same! Read the article if you want to learn the differences — and their potential for you as an engineer." image: https://insights.vecoprecision.com/hubfs/Images/Electroforming_.jpg --- - [career](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/careers/) - [help center](https://help.vecoprecision.com/knowledge) [![Veco](https://www.vecoprecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Veco-logo-black-rgb-0072.png)](https://www.vecoprecision.com) - [electroforming technology](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/) - [what is Electroforming](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/what-is-electroforming/) - [Electroforming process](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/electroforming-process/) - [capabilities and applications](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/electroforming-capabilities-and-applications/) - [Electroforming materials](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/materials-used-in-electroforming/) - [similar technologies](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/electroforming-vs-other-technologies/) - [case studies](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/electroforming-cases/) - [design guidelines](https://www.vecoprecision.com/design-guideline/) - [company](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/) - [about us](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/) - [markets we serve](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/markets/) - [career](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/careers/) - [co-develop with Veco](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/work-with-veco/) - [quality](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/quality/) - [products](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/) - [micro nozzle plates](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/micro-nozzle-plates/) - [inkjet nozzle plates](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/inkjet-nozzle-plates/) - [nebulizer plates](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/nebulizer-plates/) - [encoder discs](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/encoder-discs/) - [MEMS probes](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/mems-probes/) - [test socket pins](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/test-socket-pins/) - [electrodes for hydrogen production](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/electrodes-for-hydrogen-production/) - other products - [flow discs](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/flow-discs/) - [sugar screens](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/sugar-screens/) - [coffee filters](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/coffee-filters/) - [leaf filters](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/leaf-filters/) - [shaver foils](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/shaver-foils/) - [hearing aid components](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/hearing-aid-components/) - [aperture plates](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/aperture-plates/) - [test contactors](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/test-contactors/) - [contact](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/contact-veco-1) - [Home](https://www.vecoprecision.com) - [Blog](https://insights.vecoprecision.com) - Electroplating vs electroforming: what's the difference? [Back to overview](https://insights.vecoprecision.com) # Electroplating vs electroforming: what's the difference? Jul 4, 2017 8:00:00 AM [By Harrie Knol](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/author/harrie-knol) Electroplating and electroforming are not the same. Sure, the title of this article gave that away already, but it is a common misunderstanding. That is why we take the time to explain the differences and similarities between both processes. Be careful though: whoever discovers electroforming and electroplating enters a whole new world of ultra-precision metal applications. [To learn more about the technology and discover the potential of electroforming: download our electroforming whitepaper here](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/en/whitepaper-electroforming)[![download whitepaper](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1788947/056f005b-1e5e-49f9-b6d2-99830614eb56.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1788947/056f005b-1e5e-49f9-b6d2-99830614eb56) ## The electrodeposition process: what is it, and how does it work? First things first. Both electroplating and electroforming are conducted through an electrodeposition process. In short, this means deposition of metal onto a conductive object. Both an anode and a cathode are immersed in an electrolytic bath that is composed of a solution (ion) of salt and the metal to be plated. A direct current (DC) of electricity is passed through the solution, effecting the transfer of metal ions onto a cathodic surface, plating the metal onto the item. Keeping this in mind, we will now zoom in on electroforming and electroplating. ### The electroforming process explained Electroforming is the metal forming process where metal is grown by electrodeposition onto a substrate. The electrolytic bath is used to deposit metal (for example nickel, gold or copper) onto a conductive patterned surface. ![Electroforming_process.png](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Electroforming_process.png?width=320&name=Electroforming_process.png) *                                          Fig.1: The electroforming process* In[electroforming](https://www.vecoprecision.com/technologies/electroforming), the metal can be grown as thick as the customer wants. In the industry, the model on which the metal is built is called a mandrel. The mandrel is typically removed after the completion of the plating process. The mandrel is made from conductive and nonconductive area’s. The metal will only deposit on the conductive area’s. The metal can easily be removed from the mandrel. The result is an autonomous product with holes, slots or any shape you prefer. [Read more in our latest electroforming whitepaper.](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/en/whitepaper-electroforming) ![Electroplating vs electroforming](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Electroforming_.jpg?width=740&name=Electroforming_.jpg "Electroplating vs electroforming") ### The electroplating process explained In electroplating, a very thin layer is deposited on an existent object by means of the electrodeposition process. It can also be applied after the [electroforming](https://www.vecoprecision.com/technologies/electroforming) process. Electroplating can be applied on a broad range of products. The materials used in the plating (coating) process depend on the composition of the plating bath and the deposition conditions. Electroplating can be used to change the surface property of the object. For example, to create a better resistance against chemical and/or abrasive corrosion. ## Electroplating vs electroforming: what's the difference?  So if both processes are done by means of electrodeposition, what is the main difference between the two? In electroplating, the deposited metal becomes part of the existing product by plating/coating it. In [electroforming](https://www.vecoprecision.com/technologies/electroforming/), the mandrel (patterned surface) will be removed from the product. After the mandrel is removed, the object that remains is entirely created through electrodeposition. After electroforming it is possible to perform electroplating to add a coating to improve corrosion-resistance or to get a more attractive (cosmetic) product. ## Electroforming: why you should consider it as an engineer There are a lot of benefits that come with electroforming, and some of them particularly solve the challenges you have as an engineer. Short lead times, high operational efficiency, continuous innovation, cost-effective and large-scale production — you can accomplish these goals by utilizing the right manufacturing method. Electroforming may just be the technique that will help you drive true innovation.  If you’d like to learn more about electroforming — and want to find out if it’s the technique that fits your engineering needs — [read our latest electroforming whitepaper](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/en/whitepaper-electroforming): [![download whitepaper](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1788947/056f005b-1e5e-49f9-b6d2-99830614eb56.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1788947/056f005b-1e5e-49f9-b6d2-99830614eb56) ### Contact us **Take the final step in becoming an innovative force in your industry.** [contact](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/contact-veco-1) ### Contact us **Take the final step in becoming an innovative force in your industry.** [contact](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/contact-veco-1) ### Blog subjects - [Technology](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/topic/technology) - [electroforming technology](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/topic/electroforming-technology) - [electroplating](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/topic/electroplating) ### Get the latest insights ## Related blogs Jul 6, 2026 12:32:14 PM ### The Power of Electroforming from Veco in Precision Filtration: Unlocking Superior Performance and Reliability Sep 6, 2024 9:15:00 AM ### when to choose Electroforming over traditional manufacturing methods: a cost-effectiveness perspective Oct 6, 2023 11:00:00 AM ### Electroforming for Engineers: key features and capabilities of Electroforming technology contact Karel van Gelreweg 22 6961 LB Eerbeek Netherlands [T: +31 (0)313 672 911](tel:+31313672911) [E: veco-info@idexcorp.com](mailto:veco-info@idexcorp.com) services [electroforming](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/) [co-development](https://www.vecoprecision.com/work-with-veco/) [design guideline](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/design-guideline/) [quality](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/quality/)   - [Privacy statement](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/privacy-statement/) - [Disclaimer](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/disclaimer/) - [Terms and conditions](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/terms-and-conditions/) an [![IDEX Corporation](https://www.vecoprecision.com/wp-content/themes/veco/img/idex-corporation-logo.svg)](https://www.idexcorp.com/) platform 2025 - © Veco B.V.