A physical principle in electroplating, especially that of gravure cylinders, in which a layer of metal will closely conform to the shape and structure of the cathode. Even though electroplated metals of a certain thickness will also contribute a leveling effect, the thinness of the chrome layer deposited precludes the correction of any surface defects or irregularities in the copper surface. Consequently, all nonuniformities in the copper surface need to be ironed out before the layer of chrome is deposited. (See Electroplating.)
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