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Electroforming Guide

Many different processes, from forging to deep drawing to casting, are used to form metal — and most of them involve applying some sort of effective stress to a metal. These methods are useful for a range of applications, but did you know that you can also “grow” metal? When working on a complex project that […]

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What Is Electrocleaning?

You may be quite familiar with electroplating and all the benefits this plating method offers. However, most people don’t know exactly what goes into the electroplating process, especially the early steps. One of the first steps of the electroplating process, in fact, is preparing the surface. This process of preparation is used as a way […]

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Guide to Materials Used in 3D Printing

3D printing is a flexible, efficient and profitable approach to production, but it requires more than a printer and filament. Between storage, ventilation, handling materials and equipment configurations, your 3D printing budget must accommodate additional items, especially if you plan to utilize a 3D printer’s exceptional versatility. Before you explore the world of 3D printing, […]

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The Most Conductive Metals

Conductivity plays a vital role in many industries, including electronics, aerospace and telecommunications. However, there are actually multiple kinds of conductivity. Thermal conductivity refers to a material’s ability to transmit heat, while electrical conductivity refers to a material’s ability to allow an electrical current to pass through without resistance. In general, materials that exhibit high […]

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What Causes Electroplated Coatings to Flake or Peel?

Poor adhesion is a common problem that can negatively impact the performance and longevity of an electroplated coating. Improper adhesion often takes the form of flaking, which occurs when the coating lifts, separates and peels away from the surface of the substrate. This results in large, bare or nearly bare areas that are no longer […]

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Types of Corrosion Testing for Plated Parts and Components

Rust can wreak havoc on metal, so corrosion testing is a common practice for most companies that are heavy users of metal in their manufacturing processes. Over the years, a number of testing protocols have been developed, including cyclic corrosion testing, salt spray testing, humidity testing, Kesternich chamber testing and specialized tests that accurately mimic […]

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3D Print Gold Electroplating for Chemical Sensors

In the field of chemical sensor fabrication, material selection, precision and reliability are paramount. Using 3D printing technology with gold electroplating represents a transformative advancement. This integration combines the intricacy of components printed with 3D technology and the notable attributes of gold. Its rigor and versatility make this a valuable technique across various industries. Find […]

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Palladium vs. Gold Plating: Which Option to Choose?

While both are lauded in the jewelry industry for their beautiful appearances, there’s more to palladium and gold than their looks — they are extremely useful metals for a variety of plating applications. Lustrous gold is as useful as it is glamorous, and it is one of the common metals of the electronics industry. Silvery-white […]

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The Use of Gold Plating in Electronics & Electrical Components

Most of the electronics we use in our daily lives contain at least a little bit of gold. While this precious metal is widely known for its beautiful, shiny appearance, it also has quite a few functional purposes that make it a sought-after material in a variety of industries. The electronics sector, though, is the […]

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A Guide To Vibratory Finishing Media

Vibratory finishing is the final step in the plating process, and it includes grinding down unwanted burrs, smoothing sharp edges and providing a polished finish. The shape, material and size of vibratory media vary depending on the parts’ material, shape and strength.

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