Which Metal Plating Finish Do You Need?
The world of metal finishing can be complex and difficult to understand. Here at Dorsetware, we are experts in electroplating services so we have compiled all our electroplating information into a handy table to help you work out what sort of metal finishing you might need. Still unsure? Call the team on 01202 677939 or get in touch using our online contact form.
| Plating | Qualities | Application | Uses |
| Bright Acid Tin Plating | Heat resistance
Nontoxic Solderability Corrosion protection Electrical conductivity |
Any metal | Food processing
Kitchenware Firefighting tools Decoration Electronics Telecommunication Medical tools |
| Bright Nickel Plating | Corrosion protection Wear resistance
Decorative |
Steel
Copper Brass Iron |
Automotive:
Bumpers, rims, exhaust pipes and trims Hand Tools: Plumbing supplies, lighting, wire racks and appliances |
| Chrome Plating | Corrosion resistance
Surface hardness Easy maintenance Decorative |
Metal
Plastic |
Door knobs, handles and letterboxes
Bathroom fittings Lighting Car parts Moulds and press tools Valves and pumps |
| Cold Chemical Blacking | No change in dimensions and conductivity
Corrosion resistances Lubrication layer Decorative Reduced light glare |
Ferrous metals | Aerospace
Microscopy Optical applications Circuit boards Automotive parts – gears, chains and sprockets Architectural finishing Machining |
| Copper Electroplating | Thermal conductivity
Electrical conductivity Antibacterial Tough Ductile Non-magnetic
|
Metals
(Ferrous metals will need a nickel base coat) |
RFI (Radio Frequency Interference)
EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) Shielding purposes Large aerials Medical equipment Coins |
| Electroless Nickel Plating | Decorative
good conductivity
|
Steel
Aluminium Copper Brass Iron |
Bumpers, rims, exhaust pipes and trims
Lighting fixtures Plumbing |
| Gold Plating | Aesthetic
Corrosion resistant Conductive layer |
Any metal (with a conductive surface) | Rings
Necklaces Watches Electrical connectors Circuit Boards |
| Hard Anodising & Coating | Strength
Wear Resistance Resistance to corrosion and abrasion Additional thickness |
Metal | Gearbox and braking equipment
Deep sea machinery hydraulic systems, valves and pumps Oil and gas industry equipment |
| Iridite NCP Plating & Coating | Corrosion resistant
Superb paint adhesion ELV, RoHS and WEEE standards (No lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury or PBB compounds) |
Aluminium Alloys | Standalone finish
Base for paints, lacquers and high-performance topcoats
|
| Manganese Phosphate Coating | Hardness
Outstanding wear resistance Corrosion resistance |
Metal | Engines, gears and power transmission
Washers, nuts and bolts Magnet cores |
| Dull Nickel Plating & Nickel Sulphamate | Hard wearing
Malleable Significant corrosion resistance |
Steel
Aluminium Copper Brass Iron |
Machine parts, springs or things where movement is required |
| Passivation of Stainless Steel | Corrosion resistance
Anti-rust |
Stainless Steel | Knives, forks and other cookware
Modern construction and architecture materials Surgical and dental instruments Car exhaust and engine components |