Gold Plating
24K, 18K and Rose available
MIL-G-45204, AMS 2422 and ASTM B488
Gold plating is the electro-chemical process of depositing a thin layer of gold on metal. Gold can be plated directly on a base metal or it can be applied over an undercoating such as nickel to improve adhesion of the gold itself. The purpose for gold plating includes conductivity, decoration, corrosion protection and reflectivity. We are experienced in plating electrical contacts, decorative artworks, satellite and aircraft parts.
Gold is often used for conductivity instead of silver because it is a cleaner tarnish free surface. Gold is also impervious to certain chemicals making it the preferred choice with respect to corrosion protection under special applications.
Gold is plated in thicknesses starting at 0.000007″ which is used for costume jewelry. Our thickness limit is 0.0001″. 0.00002″-0.00003″ is a commonly used thickness for some wear. Our gold is alloyed with cobalt and nickel and they are considered hard gold.
In most plating processes, materials are a small part of the cost, but with gold, the material cost becomes a determining factor, especially on parts with large surface areas.
Nickel Plating
Polished – Satin
QQ-N-290 Class 1 & 2 Grade A through G; AMS 2403
Nickel plating is the backbone of decorative electroplating. Nickel has properties that allow it to shine, throw into corners and even smooth out surfaces. It is the undercoating for most shiny plating surfaces.
Nickel itself has a very nice color. The chrome can sometimes look cold with its blue tint; but nickel has a warmer, yellow-brownish tone. It is a common finish on coal stoves and antique items.
Silver Plating
QQ-S-365 and AMS 2412
Silver plating is an electro-chemical process that puts a thin layer of silver over another metal. It is principally used for lubricity, conductivity, and decoration. It is used on products like gears and seals for lubricity, buss bars and contacts for conductivity, and pieces of art for decoration. We are very successful in plating silver for each of these purposes. A typical thickness for silver plating is 0.0001″ to 0.0005″.
When silver is applied for lubricity and conductivity, it is typically plated directly on the base metal, unless an undercoating is required for adhesion such as a nickel strike to help the plating adhere to nickel alloys. For decorative applications, the silver may have an undercoating of bright nickel to take advantage of the nickel’s ability to shine.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why is silver used for electrical connections even though it tarnishes so fast?
A: Tarnished silver or silver oxide is almost as conductive as silver and it is still more conductive than gold.
Palladium Plating
MIL-P-45209, ASTM B679
Palladium is well suited to plating applications where the prevention of an oxide formation is required. It is a suitable substitute for Gold plating, providing a functional alternative at a much lower price. The melting point of Palladium is 2,830 degrees Fahrenheit. Palladium plating has been used to plate over ceramic insulators in various connector applications.
The Knoop hardness of Palladium can be as high as 400, compared with Cobalt hardened Type 2 Gold, which has a maximum Knoop hardness of 200. For electrical contact applications where there are point contact or sliding contact concerns, Palladium plating services are the ideal choice. Rhodium should be considered for extremely high wear conditions.
Although Palladium is a white metal and different in color than yellow Gold, it is an excellent substitute for Gold in most general electronics applications.
As Palladium has excellent solderability characteristics, the standard soldering procedures used for Gold can also be used for soldering Palladium.