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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, […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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, […]

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Does Gold Electroplating Make Sense For Your Electronics Manufacturing Operation?

Many of us think of gold in terms of its high monetary value and unmistakable aesthetic appeal. But this remarkable precious metal can also serve more practical purposes. The process of electroplating this soft, ductile, malleable metal onto other metal surfaces can offer important benefits, including enhancing corrosion resistance, improving electrical conductivity and shielding the […]

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Copper Plating on Plastics

Take a quick look around your home or office, and you’ll undoubtedly see something that is either made of or contains copper. This abundant and extremely versatile metal has played an important role in the human existence for more than 10,000 years. While copper is no longer the primary ingredient in pennies, which consisted of […]

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E-Coating vs. Powder Coating

UPDATE: (8/10/2021) SPC no longer offers Electrocoating (e-coating) services. This blog is for educational purposes only. Please refer to our coatings, base materials, or plating methods pages to learn more about our services.   Among the vast array of industrial metal finishing options are two comparable processes known as electrophoretic deposition (colloquially known as electrocoating or […]

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