Metal plating, including electroless nickel coating, is used in a variety of applications to boost the functionality, performance and aesthetic appearance of the underlying substrate. Here’s what you need to know about the four main types of plating, using copper, chrome and nickel.
How does metal plating work
Metal plating processes, such as electroless nickel plating or electrolytic copper plating, are specialist processes carried out by surface treatment firms such as www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/plating/electroless-nickel-plating/. The metals are applied sequentially to obtain certain results for corrosion resistance, performance and appearance. Every plating layer serves a specific purpose.
For example, nickel adds brightness and durability, copper provides conductivity and levelling, and chrome delivers aesthetic appeal and a hard layer. These processes are widely used in industries such as appliance manufacture, automotive, aerospace, medical device manufacture, plumbing, electronics and hardware.
What are the main benefits?
Chrome, nickel and copper plating help to boost corrosion resistance, especially in harsh environments. They boost wear resistance and surface hardness, and they deliver beautiful, bright finishes that can be polished to a mirror-like shine. These materials can also make the underlying substrate more conductive and are layered to achieve tailored characteristics that depend on the final piece being manufactured.
How is metal plating applied?
Copper plating is usually the first layer, and it’s delivered using electrolytic plating to deliver ductility, conductivity and adhesion, as well as for levelling to fill in tiny pits and ridges. Nickel plating is the functional barrier in a plating stack to deliver mechanical strength, brightness and corrosion resistance. Chrome is the final layer for delivering tarnish resistance, surface hardness and that distinctive mirror shine finish.
These metals all form a vital function in a variety of manufacturing industries, and they can be applied with precision, accuracy and in certain ways to deliver exceptional results. Their application is a skilled and specialist process that can be dangerous without the right knowledge and PPE, and plating workshops are highly managed work environments that operate within strict health and safety protocols. The result is seen in almost every aspect of our daily lives.