Metal electroplating is used for a variety of reasons, such as to optimise performance, resist corrosion, and apply a bright and decorative finish with a certain desirable aesthetic property. Metal coating is a broad industry in its own right, with the technologies used to apply these coatings constantly improving and evolving, especially as AI and robotics are used to achieve precision results for high-end jobs.
There is a huge range of electroplated magnetic coatings available, but let’s look at six of the most common:
1. Zinc nickel plating
Zinc nickel plating is hardwearing and corrosion resistant. Fabricators also use zinc nickel plating to achieve a bright and attractive finish. Zinc nickel plating, which is available from companies such as swmf.co.uk/surface-coatings/zinc-nickel-alloy-plating, has become more affordable in recent years and can provide a high-end finish for a variety of applications.
2. Silver plating
Silver plating can be used for appearance, such as with jewellery, or for performance optimisation, such as with industrial equipment.
3. Copper plating
This coloured metal is relatively soft. It can be polished to give a bright and decorative finish and is typically applied for aesthetic purposes. A lacquer is usually required to keep the copper finish true, as acid and sulphur compounds in the air attack it and change its colour and finish.
4. Chrome
Chrome is a decorative finish. Bright chrome provides a mirror finish, while matt provides a consistent, grey finish. There is also hard chrome plating, which is used for corrosion resistance, hardness, wear resistance, and to achieve a low coefficient of friction.
5. Gold plating
Gold has a high resistance point against corrosion and tends not to form an oxide layer. It is used widely in decorative purposes, such as jewellery making, and heavily in the electronics industry.
6. Zinc plating
Zinc plating can be used to achieve various things, such as appearance, improved performance, and corrosion resistance. It comes in clear, yellow, black, blue, and olive finishes and is a cost-effective solution.
These are just some of the many coatings available for metal, and they are all incredibly important.