Aluminum alloys are some of the most widely used across several industries due to their conductivity, lightweight, and easy machinability. As a result, it has become one of the most common substrates for electroplating.
Plating, or electroplating, adds a thin layer of non corrosive metal or a high shine metal to the surface of aluminum, protecting it from scratches, impact damage, and corrosion. This type of metal surface finishing provides excellent protection as well as a quality aesthetic appearance, allowing parts to meet the standards of demanding industries such as Aerospace, Telecommunications, Medical, Energy, and Defense.
The many benefits of plating on aluminum
Plating on aluminum surfaces can come in many different forms, depending on the qualities required for the component. Overall, nearly every type of plating improves the aluminum part’s corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and aesthetics. However, different metals provide different improved properties.
Tin
Tin is most commonly used on parts requiring a nontoxic, highly conductive surface. It also has the benefit of many types of finishes, from matte to bright, and the coating is resistant to cracking and corrosion.
Nickel
One of the most popular types of plating, Nickel plating increases the hardness and corrosion resistance of the surface. It also is very versatile, able to be combined with other metals such as Zinc for improved resistance and other properties.
Silver
Like other metals, Silver offers excellent corrosion resistance and conductivity, as well as good lubricity and solderability. It also often comes in several different grades, hardness levels, and types, all of which offer similar beneficial properties.
Gold
Gold has excellent biocompatibility for aluminum surfaces, which works especially well for the Medical industry. It’s also used for parts that require electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as solderability.
Electroless Nickel
Electroless Nickel is a type of nickel plating that provides exceptional corrosion resistance, increased lubricity, hardness, and wear resistance. It’s also very popular, as it can serve as an undercoating to promote adhesion of other types of plating.
Looking for a supplier of plating services?
Gleco Plating provides the best possible solutions to our customers, with a wide range of plating, anodizing, and other finishing services at your disposal. To learn more, check out our website!
