Metal plating is a process that enhances durability, corrosion resistance, and visual appeal by electrochemically depositing a thin metal layer onto the surface of a material.
Plating is a specialist service, provided in the UK by a relatively small number of companies like www.swmf.co.uk/surface-coatings/zinc-nickel-alloy-plating. There are several variants of the process, but in the most demanding industries, cadmium, zinc and zinc nickel plating have been found to provide the best reliability and performance.
Cadmium
Cadmium plating creates a uniform, highly protective coating with excellent electrical connectivity and resistance to corrosion. This makes it the ideal choice in the aerospace, defence and electronics industries, where components are required to maintain optimal performance in the most extreme environments. The ductility of cadmium also increases flexibility under mechanical stress, thereby improving protection and preserving appearance.
Zinc and Nickel
Zinc plating is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. It provides dependable corrosion resistance in dry conditions, making it well-suited to automotive, construction and household applications. Being non-toxic it is also suitable in the preparation, processing and packaging of food and drink. Zinc also has aesthetic properties. Zinc nickel plating uses an alloy of zinc and nickel to create an even more durable coating that is up to five times greater than pure zinc.
Whichever plating method is used, the surface to be treated must be meticulously cleaned and activated before it undergoes electroplating to ensure the result is an even, durable finish. The type of plating you choose will depend on the nature of your project, including factors such as environment, budget and technical specifications.
