Metal plating is used to enhance the appearance and increase the wear performance of machinery. The process basically involves depositing a thin metallic layer onto a base material. Let’s take a look at six different types of metal plating.
Zinc
To protect steel components from corrosion, we almost always use zinc plating. It kind of acts as a sacrificial layer to prevent rust. It’s used most frequently for things like fasteners and brackets.
Chrome
Chromium plating provides a nice decorative appeal, but also an incredible surface hardness. In industrial contexts, hard chrome is excellent for wear resistance. Decorative chrome is usually layered over nickel and gives a lovely bright finish.
Nickel
Nickel is great for corrosion resistance and surface durability. It’s used a lot as an underlayer for other finishes or even as a standalone protective coating. In chemical processes such as electroless nickel plating, like this example //www.swmf.co.uk/surface-coatings/electroless-nickel-plating/, a nickel-phosphorus alloy is deposited evenly across complex surfaces.
Copper
With electronics, we use copper plating because it has great conductivity. It’s also really cheap, which is a great bonus!
Gold
Gold plating has great electrical performance. It’s most often applied to connectors and components where consistent conductivity is really important.
Tin
Tin plating is used a lot in packaging and electronic applications. Its non-toxic nature and solderability make it suitable for food containers and circuit components.
Every type of metal plating has its own really interesting role. From protecting against corrosion to improving strength or conductivity, the right choice will always come down to the demands of the job.
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