Glossary (List) | American Carbon Company

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ACC Technical Glossary

Every industry has its own language. This glossary defines the technical terms engineers, contractors, platers and buyers encounter across American Carbon Company’s three core product lines: Cathodic Protection, Advanced Materials and Electrolysis. From corrosion prevention and anode performance to specialty carbon materials and electrochemical processes, each definition connects technical terminology to relevant ACC products and resources.

Cathodic Protection

Anode Basket

A titanium mesh basket that holds soluble metal, such as nuggets or pellets, in a plating tank while conducting current to it.

Anode Recoating (Refurbishment)

Stripping a spent MMO coating from a titanium anode and applying a new one, reusing the substrate and lowering lifetime cost.

Bath Contamination

Unwanted byproducts in a plating bath, such as lead chromate and lead oxide from lead anodes or particulates from graphite. Contamination increases sludge, maintenance and rejects.

Coating Load

The amount of MMO coating applied per unit of anode area, in mg/cm². Higher loading generally means longer life at a given current density. BADGERCHROME anodes typically run 1.5 to 6.0 mg/cm².

Conforming Anode

An anode shaped to follow the contour of the part being plated, such as a bore or complex profile, so deposit thickness stays uniform.

Current Efficiency

The share of applied current that goes to the intended reaction, such as metal deposition, rather than side reactions like hydrogen generation.

Decorative Chrome Plating

A thin chrome layer, usually over nickel, applied mainly for appearance on consumer, automotive and plumbing parts.

Electrochemical Water Treatment

Using electrodes to disinfect water, generate chlorine on site (electrochlorination) or break down contaminants through oxidation.

Electrolysis

Using direct current to drive a chemical reaction in an electrolyte that would not happen on its own. Electrolysis underlies electroplating, electrowinning, electropolishing and electrochemical water treatment.

Electroplating

Depositing a metal coating onto a part, which serves as the cathode, by passing current through a bath of dissolved metal ions.

Electropolishing

An electrochemical process that removes a thin layer of surface metal, with the part as the anode, to smooth, brighten and passivate it. It is common on stainless steel.

Electrowinning

Recovering a metal, such as gold, silver or copper, from solution by electrolysis, depositing it on a cathode.

Hard (Functional) Chrome Plating

Relatively thick chrome deposits applied for hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance on parts such as hydraulic rods, rolls and molds.

Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+)

The traditional chemistry for chrome plating. It is a known carcinogen and increasingly restricted; California's Air Resources Board has voted to phase it out, with decorative operations ending by 2030 and functional operations by 2039.

Inter-Electrode Gap

The distance between the anode and the part being plated. As soluble anodes dissolve, the gap changes, which shifts current density and deposit thickness. Dimensionally stable anodes keep the gap constant.

PFAS Fume Suppressants

Fluorinated chemicals historically added to hexavalent chrome baths to control mist. EPA plans a rule limiting PFAS in chrome-plating wastewater.

Plating Thickness Drift

Variation in deposit thickness from the first part of a run to the last, often caused by soluble anodes changing shape and current output as they dissolve.

Throwing Power

A plating bath's ability to deposit metal evenly over an irregular part, including recesses and edges.

Trivalent Chromium (Cr3+)

A lower-toxicity chrome plating chemistry replacing hexavalent processes. Anode choice matters: the anode must minimize oxidation of Cr3+ back to Cr6+ and avoid contaminating the bath, which is why MMO anodes are commonly specified.

Anode Materials

Anode Basket

A titanium mesh basket that holds soluble metal, such as nuggets or pellets, in a plating tank while conducting current to it.

Anode Recoating (Refurbishment)

Stripping a spent MMO coating from a titanium anode and applying a new one, reusing the substrate and lowering lifetime cost.

Bath Contamination

Unwanted byproducts in a plating bath, such as lead chromate and lead oxide from lead anodes or particulates from graphite. Contamination increases sludge, maintenance and rejects.

Coating Load

The amount of MMO coating applied per unit of anode area, in mg/cm². Higher loading generally means longer life at a given current density. BADGERCHROME anodes typically run 1.5 to 6.0 mg/cm².

Conforming Anode

An anode shaped to follow the contour of the part being plated, such as a bore or complex profile, so deposit thickness stays uniform.

Current Efficiency

The share of applied current that goes to the intended reaction, such as metal deposition, rather than side reactions like hydrogen generation.

Decorative Chrome Plating

A thin chrome layer, usually over nickel, applied mainly for appearance on consumer, automotive and plumbing parts.

Electrochemical Water Treatment

Using electrodes to disinfect water, generate chlorine on site (electrochlorination) or break down contaminants through oxidation.

Electrolysis

Using direct current to drive a chemical reaction in an electrolyte that would not happen on its own. Electrolysis underlies electroplating, electrowinning, electropolishing and electrochemical water treatment.

Electroplating

Depositing a metal coating onto a part, which serves as the cathode, by passing current through a bath of dissolved metal ions.

Electropolishing

An electrochemical process that removes a thin layer of surface metal, with the part as the anode, to smooth, brighten and passivate it. It is common on stainless steel.

Electrowinning

Recovering a metal, such as gold, silver or copper, from solution by electrolysis, depositing it on a cathode.

Hard (Functional) Chrome Plating

Relatively thick chrome deposits applied for hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance on parts such as hydraulic rods, rolls and molds.

Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+)

The traditional chemistry for chrome plating. It is a known carcinogen and increasingly restricted; California's Air Resources Board has voted to phase it out, with decorative operations ending by 2030 and functional operations by 2039.

Inter-Electrode Gap

The distance between the anode and the part being plated. As soluble anodes dissolve, the gap changes, which shifts current density and deposit thickness. Dimensionally stable anodes keep the gap constant.

PFAS Fume Suppressants

Fluorinated chemicals historically added to hexavalent chrome baths to control mist. EPA plans a rule limiting PFAS in chrome-plating wastewater.

Plating Thickness Drift

Variation in deposit thickness from the first part of a run to the last, often caused by soluble anodes changing shape and current output as they dissolve.

Throwing Power

A plating bath's ability to deposit metal evenly over an irregular part, including recesses and edges.

Trivalent Chromium (Cr3+)

A lower-toxicity chrome plating chemistry replacing hexavalent processes. Anode choice matters: the anode must minimize oxidation of Cr3+ back to Cr6+ and avoid contaminating the bath, which is why MMO anodes are commonly specified.

Electrolysis & Surface Finishing

Anode Basket

A titanium mesh basket that holds soluble metal, such as nuggets or pellets, in a plating tank while conducting current to it.

Anode Recoating (Refurbishment)

Stripping a spent MMO coating from a titanium anode and applying a new one, reusing the substrate and lowering lifetime cost.

Bath Contamination

Unwanted byproducts in a plating bath, such as lead chromate and lead oxide from lead anodes or particulates from graphite. Contamination increases sludge, maintenance and rejects.

Coating Load

The amount of MMO coating applied per unit of anode area, in mg/cm². Higher loading generally means longer life at a given current density. BADGERCHROME anodes typically run 1.5 to 6.0 mg/cm².

Conforming Anode

An anode shaped to follow the contour of the part being plated, such as a bore or complex profile, so deposit thickness stays uniform.

Current Efficiency

The share of applied current that goes to the intended reaction, such as metal deposition, rather than side reactions like hydrogen generation.

Decorative Chrome Plating

A thin chrome layer, usually over nickel, applied mainly for appearance on consumer, automotive and plumbing parts.

Electrochemical Water Treatment

Using electrodes to disinfect water, generate chlorine on site (electrochlorination) or break down contaminants through oxidation.

Electrolysis

Using direct current to drive a chemical reaction in an electrolyte that would not happen on its own. Electrolysis underlies electroplating, electrowinning, electropolishing and electrochemical water treatment.

Electroplating

Depositing a metal coating onto a part, which serves as the cathode, by passing current through a bath of dissolved metal ions.

Electropolishing

An electrochemical process that removes a thin layer of surface metal, with the part as the anode, to smooth, brighten and passivate it. It is common on stainless steel.

Electrowinning

Recovering a metal, such as gold, silver or copper, from solution by electrolysis, depositing it on a cathode.

Hard (Functional) Chrome Plating

Relatively thick chrome deposits applied for hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance on parts such as hydraulic rods, rolls and molds.

Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+)

The traditional chemistry for chrome plating. It is a known carcinogen and increasingly restricted; California's Air Resources Board has voted to phase it out, with decorative operations ending by 2030 and functional operations by 2039.

Inter-Electrode Gap

The distance between the anode and the part being plated. As soluble anodes dissolve, the gap changes, which shifts current density and deposit thickness. Dimensionally stable anodes keep the gap constant.

PFAS Fume Suppressants

Fluorinated chemicals historically added to hexavalent chrome baths to control mist. EPA plans a rule limiting PFAS in chrome-plating wastewater.

Plating Thickness Drift

Variation in deposit thickness from the first part of a run to the last, often caused by soluble anodes changing shape and current output as they dissolve.

Throwing Power

A plating bath's ability to deposit metal evenly over an irregular part, including recesses and edges.

Trivalent Chromium (Cr3+)

A lower-toxicity chrome plating chemistry replacing hexavalent processes. Anode choice matters: the anode must minimize oxidation of Cr3+ back to Cr6+ and avoid contaminating the bath, which is why MMO anodes are commonly specified.

Advanced Materials

Anode Basket

A titanium mesh basket that holds soluble metal, such as nuggets or pellets, in a plating tank while conducting current to it.

Anode Recoating (Refurbishment)

Stripping a spent MMO coating from a titanium anode and applying a new one, reusing the substrate and lowering lifetime cost.

Bath Contamination

Unwanted byproducts in a plating bath, such as lead chromate and lead oxide from lead anodes or particulates from graphite. Contamination increases sludge, maintenance and rejects.

Coating Load

The amount of MMO coating applied per unit of anode area, in mg/cm². Higher loading generally means longer life at a given current density. BADGERCHROME anodes typically run 1.5 to 6.0 mg/cm².

Conforming Anode

An anode shaped to follow the contour of the part being plated, such as a bore or complex profile, so deposit thickness stays uniform.

Current Efficiency

The share of applied current that goes to the intended reaction, such as metal deposition, rather than side reactions like hydrogen generation.

Decorative Chrome Plating

A thin chrome layer, usually over nickel, applied mainly for appearance on consumer, automotive and plumbing parts.

Electrochemical Water Treatment

Using electrodes to disinfect water, generate chlorine on site (electrochlorination) or break down contaminants through oxidation.

Electrolysis

Using direct current to drive a chemical reaction in an electrolyte that would not happen on its own. Electrolysis underlies electroplating, electrowinning, electropolishing and electrochemical water treatment.

Electroplating

Depositing a metal coating onto a part, which serves as the cathode, by passing current through a bath of dissolved metal ions.

Electropolishing

An electrochemical process that removes a thin layer of surface metal, with the part as the anode, to smooth, brighten and passivate it. It is common on stainless steel.

Electrowinning

Recovering a metal, such as gold, silver or copper, from solution by electrolysis, depositing it on a cathode.

Hard (Functional) Chrome Plating

Relatively thick chrome deposits applied for hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance on parts such as hydraulic rods, rolls and molds.

Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+)

The traditional chemistry for chrome plating. It is a known carcinogen and increasingly restricted; California's Air Resources Board has voted to phase it out, with decorative operations ending by 2030 and functional operations by 2039.

Inter-Electrode Gap

The distance between the anode and the part being plated. As soluble anodes dissolve, the gap changes, which shifts current density and deposit thickness. Dimensionally stable anodes keep the gap constant.

PFAS Fume Suppressants

Fluorinated chemicals historically added to hexavalent chrome baths to control mist. EPA plans a rule limiting PFAS in chrome-plating wastewater.

Plating Thickness Drift

Variation in deposit thickness from the first part of a run to the last, often caused by soluble anodes changing shape and current output as they dissolve.

Throwing Power

A plating bath's ability to deposit metal evenly over an irregular part, including recesses and edges.

Trivalent Chromium (Cr3+)

A lower-toxicity chrome plating chemistry replacing hexavalent processes. Anode choice matters: the anode must minimize oxidation of Cr3+ back to Cr6+ and avoid contaminating the bath, which is why MMO anodes are commonly specified.

Standards & Organizations

Anode Basket

A titanium mesh basket that holds soluble metal, such as nuggets or pellets, in a plating tank while conducting current to it.

Anode Recoating (Refurbishment)

Stripping a spent MMO coating from a titanium anode and applying a new one, reusing the substrate and lowering lifetime cost.

Bath Contamination

Unwanted byproducts in a plating bath, such as lead chromate and lead oxide from lead anodes or particulates from graphite. Contamination increases sludge, maintenance and rejects.

Coating Load

The amount of MMO coating applied per unit of anode area, in mg/cm². Higher loading generally means longer life at a given current density. BADGERCHROME anodes typically run 1.5 to 6.0 mg/cm².

Conforming Anode

An anode shaped to follow the contour of the part being plated, such as a bore or complex profile, so deposit thickness stays uniform.

Current Efficiency

The share of applied current that goes to the intended reaction, such as metal deposition, rather than side reactions like hydrogen generation.

Decorative Chrome Plating

A thin chrome layer, usually over nickel, applied mainly for appearance on consumer, automotive and plumbing parts.

Electrochemical Water Treatment

Using electrodes to disinfect water, generate chlorine on site (electrochlorination) or break down contaminants through oxidation.

Electrolysis

Using direct current to drive a chemical reaction in an electrolyte that would not happen on its own. Electrolysis underlies electroplating, electrowinning, electropolishing and electrochemical water treatment.

Electroplating

Depositing a metal coating onto a part, which serves as the cathode, by passing current through a bath of dissolved metal ions.

Electropolishing

An electrochemical process that removes a thin layer of surface metal, with the part as the anode, to smooth, brighten and passivate it. It is common on stainless steel.

Electrowinning

Recovering a metal, such as gold, silver or copper, from solution by electrolysis, depositing it on a cathode.

Hard (Functional) Chrome Plating

Relatively thick chrome deposits applied for hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance on parts such as hydraulic rods, rolls and molds.

Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+)

The traditional chemistry for chrome plating. It is a known carcinogen and increasingly restricted; California's Air Resources Board has voted to phase it out, with decorative operations ending by 2030 and functional operations by 2039.

Inter-Electrode Gap

The distance between the anode and the part being plated. As soluble anodes dissolve, the gap changes, which shifts current density and deposit thickness. Dimensionally stable anodes keep the gap constant.

PFAS Fume Suppressants

Fluorinated chemicals historically added to hexavalent chrome baths to control mist. EPA plans a rule limiting PFAS in chrome-plating wastewater.

Plating Thickness Drift

Variation in deposit thickness from the first part of a run to the last, often caused by soluble anodes changing shape and current output as they dissolve.

Throwing Power

A plating bath's ability to deposit metal evenly over an irregular part, including recesses and edges.

Trivalent Chromium (Cr3+)

A lower-toxicity chrome plating chemistry replacing hexavalent processes. Anode choice matters: the anode must minimize oxidation of Cr3+ back to Cr6+ and avoid contaminating the bath, which is why MMO anodes are commonly specified.

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