Plating is the process of covering a metal surface with another type of metal to improve its appearance and resistance. Different plating materials are used depending on what the metal product is designed to do, with the method of plating also affecting how the coating behaves. Let’s look at four common plating materials.
1. Silver
Silver plating is used when strong electrical conductivity is needed, which is why it is often found in electronic connectors, switch components, and radio frequency devices. Silver is one of the most conductive metals and when plated onto copper or brass parts, it improves signal transmission and minimises any power loss; however, silver can tarnish over time, especially if near sulphur or moisture, which is why some components include an anti-tarnish layer.
2. Electrolytic nickel
Electrolytic nickel plating uses an electric current to deposit nickel onto a metal part. This method allows for precise control over the thickness of the nickel layer and can be used to plate complex shapes. Nickel coatings produced this way are hard and wear-resistant, making them ideal for tools, car parts, and industrial machinery components; however, as the process needs electricity, the plating can be uneven on irregular surfaces unless carefully monitored.
3. Electroless nickel
Unlike electrolytic plating, electroless nickel coating, which is available from specialists such as www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/plating/electroless-nickel-plating, does not require electricity to coat a surface. Instead, a chemical reaction causes the nickel to deposit evenly across the object, regardless of its shape. This makes electroless plating especially useful for parts with detailed geometries or blind holes. It also provides excellent corrosion resistance, which is why it is widely used in the aerospace, oil and gas, and electronics industries.
4. Tin-lead
Tin-lead plating gives a soft, smooth finish that helps protect components from corrosion. The lead content makes the coating resistant to whisker growth, a problem that can cause short circuits in pure tin coatings. Although environmental concerns have led to a decline in its use, tin-lead plating is still used in the military and aerospace industries where long-term stability is critical.