PLC Touch Screen Automatic Plating Line Single Arm Copper Passivation Equipment

The single-arm automatic plating/passivation line is designed for small parts, standard components and a wide range of plating or passivation processes. Its automated transfer system helps improve production efficiency and reduce manual handling. The line can also be integrated with complete rinsing and drying systems to meet different surface-treatment requirements.

Main Configuration

• PLC & Inverter: Mitsubishi Electric, Japan

• Touchscreen: Kunlun Tongtai

• Sensors: France Electric proximity and photoelectric switches

• Contactors & Thermal Relays: Siemens

• Track Cable: Dongguan Jinxing 40-core flat cable

• Control Cabinet: Compact, corrosion-resistant design with organized wiring, clear circuit numbers and English component labels.

• Operation: Automatic and manual modes with adjustable residence time, transfer movement and lifting speed. Individual sections can be switched to manual operation for adjustment or maintenance while the rest of the line continues automatically.

• Program Functions: Interruption recovery and power-off memory for handling unexpected downtime.

• Safety: Emergency-stop devices are provided throughout the line.

• Process Flexibility: The programmed process sequence can be quickly adjusted for diffe

Copper Passivation Process

Copper passivation is used as a post-treatment process for suitable copper or copper-plated components to help protect the treated surface and maintain the required appearance and surface condition.
A typical process may include:
Cleaning → Water Rinsing → Copper Plating or Surface Preparation → Water Rinsing → Passivation → Water Rinsing → Drying
The actual process sequence and passivation chemistry should be selected according to the copper substrate, required surface appearance, corrosion protection requirements and customer's production process.
 

Project Application

This single arm automatic plating line is designed for automated surface treatment of small parts, standard components and batch-produced metal parts. The system can be configured for copper plating, nickel plating, zinc plating, chrome plating, gold plating, silver plating and copper passivation processes according to the customer's production requirements.
The single-arm transfer system automatically moves workpieces between process tanks according to the programmed sequence, while adjustable lifting speed, travel speed and residence time help maintain consistent process conditions.
For customized projects, Greatwell engineers can design the tank sequence, transfer stroke, working capacity, heating, rinsing, drying, rectifier and exhaust treatment according to the customer's parts, plating process and production requirements.

Configuration Flexibility

The single arm configuration allows the production layout to be arranged around the required treatment sequence rather than relying on a fixed standard line configuration.
The system can be customized in terms of:

• Number and arrangement of treatment tanks

• Transfer arm travel and lifting range

• Carrier or fixture configuration

• Process dwell time

• Tank dimensions

• Loading and unloading positions

• PLC control sequence

This approach is suitable for customized plating projects where production requirements or workshop conditions differ from a standard equipment layout.

Equipment Testing

Before shipment, the single arm transfer system is tested according to the approved equipment configuration.
The inspection focuses on:

• Arm lifting and lowering movement

• Horizontal travel and positioning

• Carrier stability during transfer

• Tank positioning accuracy

• PLC movement sequence

• Process timing coordination

• Electrical control functions

• Emergency stop and safety functions

A trial operation can be performed before shipment according to the project requirements.
 

Engineering & System Design

Greatwell designs automatic plating lines according to the customer's workpiece size, material, plating process, production capacity and required automation level.
The engineering team can configure the process sequence, plating tanks, rinsing stages, heating system, rectifier, transfer mechanism, control cabinet, drying system and exhaust treatment according to the production requirements.
The single-arm transfer system can be programmed to control workpiece residence time, lifting speed, horizontal movement and process sequence. Automatic and manual operating modes are available for production and maintenance.
For different plating processes, the line layout and control program can be customized to accommodate copper, nickel, zinc, chrome, gold, silver and other surface-treatment processes.

Why Choose Greatwell

• Complete Plating Line Engineering – From process layout and equipment configuration to control system integration and installation.

• Customized Automation – Transfer speed, lifting stroke, process sequence, tank arrangement and operating logic can be configured according to production requirements.

• Recognized Industrial Components – Mitsubishi PLC and inverter,France Electric sensors, Siemens electrical components and Kunlun HMI are available for the control system.

• Automatic and Manual Operation – Automatic operation is used for production, while manual mode facilitates equipment inspection, maintenance and troubleshooting.

• Integrated Surface Treatment Solutions – The plating line can be configured for copper, nickel, zinc, chrome, gold, silver and other plating processes according to the customer's requirements.

• After-Sales Support – Installation, commissioning, technical support and spare-parts assistance can be provided according to the project scope.

FAQ

1. What is a single arm plating line?
It is an automated plating system in which one transfer arm moves workpieces between different treatment stations according to the programmed process sequence.
2. Can the system combine copper plating and passivation?
Yes. Copper plating, rinsing, passivation and other required treatment stages can be integrated according to the customer's process.
3. What are the advantages of a single arm transfer system?
It provides flexible movement between multiple treatment stations and can be configured around different process sequences and workshop layouts.
4. Can the carrier be customized for different workpieces?
Yes. Carrier dimensions and loading arrangements can be designed according to the workpiece size, weight and handling requirements.
5. Can the equipment be designed for an existing workshop?
Yes. The tank arrangement, arm travel and loading position can be engineered around the available installation space.