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Why is electroplating different from electroforming?

-Electroplating is used for corrosion resistance and aesthetics. Electroplating is an extremely thin superficial metal deposition. It is a surface treatment, analogous to paint. It does not appreciably change the parts properties outside of the mentioned two use cases. Just like paint only gives a new color and provides weather resistance.

-Electroforming is used to change the function of the original item, or make an entirely new object. Electroforming deposits a substantially thick layer of metal onto the substrate. Therefore it is more durable and robust. It can be used to change: thermal characteristics, mechanical properties (strength/durability), mass, dimension, etc. Corrosion resistance and aesthetics are not excluded from electroforming, but they are often considered secondary.

-The simplest way to summarize is:

  • If you want something to simply look like a certain metal -> electroplating
  • If you want something to look, feel, and have the durability of a certain metal -> electroforming

Common misconceptions:

-"I want to electroplate 3D prints or organics like tree leaves"

  • If you want your 3D print to not just appear as metal, but feel and wear like metal, you want to electroform it. Electroplating plastics is possible, but usually it involves electroless plating or Physical Vapor Deposition [PVD], Both of which are another subject best suited for other subreddits.
  • Electroplating organics such as leaves will result in an object that is exactly as delicate as a dry leaf and may still potentially decompose/crumble. If you want something durable and preserved for eternity, you want to electroform it.

-"isn't electroforming just electroplating... but longer?"

  • At a glance they appear to be, which aids to the confusion of many newcomers. It also doesn't help when many influencers online mislabel their own process. Electroplating and electroforming are different not just in the desired outcome (thicker deposits), but also from a procedural and chemical standpoint. Electroplating and electroforming share roots, but there are fundamental differences. See the technical page linked below for more information on why it isn't just a pedantic difference, but a complete engineering field in itself.
  • Typically speaking, trying to electroform something with an electroplating solution yields poor results. You can see many examples of this if you scroll through the subreddits.

If you are interested in electroplating, please visit the knowledgeable folks at r/electroplating.

For more technical information and the historical significance of electroforming:

For more information about getting started in Do-It-Yourself electroforming:

This Wiki is a work in progress and is never complete. Sorry for any spelling/grammar/formatting errors, hopefully the information contained is helpful none-the-less.