Metal Plating

“Plating is a surface covering in which a metal is deposited on a conductive surface. Plating has been done for hundreds of years, but it is also critical for modern technology.” (Wikipedia)

Plating is used to:

Add a decorative finish Create corrosion inhibition To improve solder-ability To harden the surface To improve durability

To alter conductivity For radiation shielding To improve paint adhesion To reduce friction Plus many other purposes

There are many plating / finishing processes, our customers expect to receive a finished component or assembly, for this reason we can offer a range of plating / finishing processes to cover our customers requirements:

Alochrome Anodised Cad Chromate Electroless Nickel Gold Hard Anodise Hot Tin Dip Nickel

Passivation Silicon Coating!!!!!!! Silver Plate Tin Lead Tin Plate Zinc Plate Also selective plating and many other options

Typical Properties for some Finishes

Properties	Finish
Corrosion Resistance	Zinc & its Alloys, Tin & its Alloys, Nickel (Electroless & Electrolytic), Gold & its Alloys, Chromium, Cadmium, Platinum group metals.
Solderability	Tin & its Alloys, Nickel (Electroless & Electrolytic), Gold & its Alloys.IDEA!!! – Why not consider using a base metal with good solderability like Nickel Silver to eliminate the cost and time of an extra process?
Conductivity	Copper & its Alloys, Gold & its Alloys, Silver.
Contact Resistance	Gold & its Alloys, Platinum group alloys.
Abrasion Resistance	Electroless Nickel, Platinum group metals, Chromium, Nickel / Cobalt composites.
Black Colouration	Zinc & Black passivate, Black Chromium, PX3 Blacken (on Stainless Steel), Black anodise (on Aluminium).
Decorative Appearance	Gold & its Alloys, Platinum group metals, Chromium, Cadmium, Zinc & its Alloys, Silver, Tin & its Alloys, Nickel.
Non-Stick Surfaces	Chromium
Softness & Lubricity	Cadmium, Lead and its Alloys, Silver, Tin Alloys
Oil Retentiveness for Lubrication	Chromium
Rubber & Sealant Adhesion	Copper and its Alloys

Photofabrication’s range of Additional Processes means we can offer Flat, Formed, Heat Treated, and Plated parts. Basically the Full Service!

If you would like to discuss your plating requirements please call us on 01480 226699. Alternatively either email us at sales@photofab.co.uk, or complete our contact form.