Electrodeposition and electroplating are two commonly used electrochemical surface treatment methods, and there are some differences in how they work:

How it works:
Electrodeposition: Electrodeposition is the process of forming a metal coating by reducing metal ions from the electrolyte solution and depositing them onto the surface of the workpiece. In electrodeposition, the plated workpiece acts as the cathode, connected to the negative electrode of the power supply, while the anode is the electrode in an electrolyte solution, usually of the same metal.

Electroplating: Electroplating is the process of depositing a metal coating on the surface of a workpiece to provide protection, decoration, or other special properties. In electroplating, the plated workpiece is usually the anode, connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, while the cathode is the source of metal ions, which can be a metal block or other metal electrodes in the electrolyte solution.

The working principle difference between electrodeposition and electroplating

Electrolyte solution:
Electrodeposition: Electrodeposition typically uses an electrolyte solution containing metal ions, which are reduced and deposited on the surface of the workpiece during electrolysis. The concentration and composition of metal ions in the electrolyte solution will affect the properties of the final deposited layer.

Electroplating: Electroplated electrolyte solutions usually contain gold-plated ions and other additives, such as inhibitors, synergists, etc. These additives can adjust the properties and appearance of the coating and provide better coating quality.

The working principle difference between electrodeposition and electroplating

Application purpose:
Electrodeposition: Electrodeposition is mainly used for the repair and modification of metal surfaces, which can repair the damaged metal surface through electrodeposition to improve its appearance and performance.

Electroplating: Electroplating is mainly used to provide protective coating, decorative coating or special performance coating. Electroplating can improve the corrosion resistance, wear resistance, electrical conductivity and other characteristics of the metal, and can change the appearance of the metal.

In general, electrodeposition and electroplating are both methods of using electric currents and metal ions in electrolyte solutions to form a metal coating on the surface of the workpiece, but they have some differences in working principle and application purposes. Electrodeposition is more focused on repair and modification, while electroplating is more focused on providing protection and improving performance.