Several different types of metals and complex alloys are available for plating, chemical plating and selective plating services. Each metal and alloy has its own chemical, mechanical and physical properties. In some cases, a good surface finish and clean aesthetics may be required, while other times components need to be plated to withstand stresses from wear and tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Copper:<\/strong> Copper and its alloys are one of the most common types of metals used in plating because of their affordability and high electrical conductivity. Copper is commonly used in the manufacture of electronic components and circuit boards. Due to its high plating efficiency and low cost, copper is one of the least expensive metals in use today. In addition, copper’s corrosion resistance is critical for heat transfer applications, and while stainless steel is the most affordable alternative, its thermal conductivity is only 1\/30th that of copper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zinc:<\/strong> The American penny you carry around is a direct result of zinc plating, as zinc is used to cover every penny of thin copper. Zinc resists oxidation and corrosion, making it one of the most commonly used metals in automotive parts as well as fasteners and nails. It is commonly used in the galvanizing process through electroplating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nickel:<\/strong> Chemical nickel plating is very common. This metal is used in a variety of items we use every day, including kitchenware, bathroom and plumbing fixtures, decorative items and door handles. Nickel and its many alloys are abrasion resistant, making it one of the most widely used metals in the plating service industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gold:<\/strong> No other metal is as sought after as gold for its high resistance to oxidation and high electrical conductivity. However, unlike copper, gold is much rarer and more expensive. Because of its higher material cost, gold plating is usually used only for small components when needed. However, due to its unique mechanical and physical properties, gold plating is often used to make electronic components such as jewelry and connectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chromium:<\/strong> Due to its surface finish, chromium is often used for decorative purposes, but it is also beneficial for reducing friction and corrosion resistance. For decorative parts in automotive components, chromium is usually used for electroplating, which is done by plating in an electrolyte solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Silver:<\/strong> Similar to chrome, silver is commonly used for decorative purposes, but like other metals, it has enhanced electrical conductivity. Silver costs less than gold, but it still maintains a higher material cost than other metals. Silver also performs poorly in some applications compared to other less expensive metals and alloys, and its mechanical and physical properties may not be maintained over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cadmium: <\/strong>One of the better metals for plating parts that require enhanced paint adhesion is cadmium. Cadmium also offers higher corrosion resistance and the benefit of long-term wear protection with less material usage. In addition, cadmium can be plated on virtually any conductive metal, making it ideal for many industries.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In some cases, good surface brightness and clean aesthetics may be required, while other times components need to be plated to withstand the stresses from wear and tear.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":153,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[10,15,16],"class_list":["post-260","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-enameled-wire","tag-electrical-wire","tag-transformer-enameled-wire","tag-transformer-windings"],"yoast_head":"\n