Metal plating is an unsung hero. From improving durability to enhancing aesthetics, it plays a vital role in industrial applications and everyday products. We’ve delved into the diverse applications of common metal plating techniques.
Why use metal plating?
Metal plating has enormous potential for industry. Silver and gold are highly prized for aesthetic reasons, so plating is an affordable way to enhance an object’s appeal. In electronics, a thin coating of expensive materials provides huge conductive benefits.
Stronger metals like nickel, copper and cadmium provide a reactive or non-reactive shield against corrosion for greater durability. Metal coating also has applications for radiation protection, friction reduction and more.
Applications for Metal Plating
Electroplating, electroless nickel coating and immersion plating are versatile ways to coat a substrate with a thin metal layer. Metal plating has various applications, including improving wear resistance, functionality and the look of everyday objects.
Corrosion Protection
Cadmium and zinc are commonly used when plating steel components. These metals offer greater corrosion protection than the steel itself.
Electrical Conductivity
Silver and copper are commonly used in electronics to improve conductivity for reliable connections.
Wear Resistance
Hard chrome plating offers superior wear resistance. It is widely used to extend the lifespan of piston rings and hydraulic rods in heavy industry.
Industries That Use Metal Plating
Medical Devices
Metal plating has numerous applications for surgical instruments and medical implants. The metal plating process is vital to improving corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. Electroless nickel coating from a surface treatment specialist such as https://www.poeton.co.uk/standard-treatments/electroless-nickel-plating reduces the risk of adverse reactions and improves safety.
Smartphones
Plated components, including cable connections and diodes, require metal plating to boost conductivity and ensure corrosion resistance.
Automotive Industry
Chrome plating enhances the visual appeal of various automotive parts, improving wear resistance and providing corrosion protection for wheels, pistons and bearings.
Household Tools
Metal plating extends longevity for tools exposed to frequent handling or the elements.
In a nutshell, metal plating improves any substrate by giving it properties it doesn’t possess. This transformative process improves functionality and aesthetics in ways that are essential to modern industry.
