Blog

Plating: An Excellent Defense Against Corrosion

Anything made from iron or steel is a prime target for the destructive forces of corrosion. Corrosion occurs due to a chemical reaction between moisture, the surrounding atmosphere and the atoms that comprise a metal substance. Corrosion is a serious problem that can lead to the premature degradation of bridges, buildings, vehicles, appliances and just […]

Continue Reading

When to Choose Electroless Nickel Over Nickel Electroplating

Nickel is one of the most versatile metals used for plating applications. A nickel coating can be applied via the traditional electroplating process, which requires the use of an electric current. Another option is to employ an electroless process where deposition occurs via autocatalytic reaction. While both offer a number of important metal finishing benefits, […]

Continue Reading

How Metal Finishing Works

Take a quick look around you and you’ll likely find one or several objects that include some type of metal — starting with the computer on which you’re reading this post! Metal has played a key role in our lives for thousands of years, and it has been an important component in just about every […]

Continue Reading

Zinc Plating: An Important Part of Today’s Auto Manufacturing Processes

If you’ve purchased a new car recently, there’s a good chance it is equipped with a number of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Auto manufacturers developed these revolutionary systems as a means of making autos easier to operate and more importantly, enhancing driver safety. In general, ADAS are a collection of technologies that help drivers […]

Continue Reading

How to Prepare a Substrate for Electroplating

While many manufacturers have the basic understanding that electroplating is used to provide a protective metal coating on a metal substrate, they may be less familiar with the various steps involved. An early step in the process is preparing the metal surface before plating. This typically involves cleaning the part as a means of enhancing […]

Continue Reading

Solving the Porosity Problem With Vacuum Impregnation

Porosity is an ongoing problem in the manufacturing of metal castings. Porosity leads to leakage, which can make the casting virtually unusable. Porosity is a particularly pervasive threat in castings made of aluminum, zinc, bronze and various metal alloys, and a number of issues can lead to porosity in a casting. Internal shrinkage, the formation […]

Continue Reading

Tin-Lead Electroplating Alternatives

Plating with a tin-lead alloy is often used when a softer and more ductile surface is desired. Depending on the application, the alloy can consist of anywhere from 50 to 95 percent tin. A tin-lead alloy offers a wide range of appearances, as matte, semi-bright or bright finishes can be achieved. Tin-lead plating also offers […]

Continue Reading

Choosing the Right Gold Plating Bath

When it comes to electroplating, gold plating is typically viewed as the “gold standard” for the industry. Most plating experts agree that if the relatively high cost of gold plating fits your budget, you should make it your first choice. Keep in mind the increased expense of gold plating is often offset by a significant […]

Continue Reading

Answers to Your Gold Plating Questions

When you think of gold plating, you probably think of the application of a glittery coating often used to enhance the appearance of jewelry and other metallic items. However, gold plating can provide more than aesthetic appeal. The following answers to some frequently asked questions can provide additional insight regarding the true benefits of gold […]

Continue Reading

Plating On Titanium

Titanium is a naturally occurring element that offers a unique combination of remarkable strength and light weight. This makes the use of titanium in its metallic form a popular choice in many industrial and manufacturing applications. Titanium derives its name from the Titans of Greek mythology, deities who were reputed to have superhuman strength. However, […]

Continue Reading