Electroplating is a process or treatment that deals with a variety of metals – both as the substrate and as the plating metal. Also to lead, copper, nickel and tin, there is a demand for silver plating. While using silver in this fashion may be more expensive than these other types of plating, it is certainly less expensive than making an object of solid silver or using titanium, platinum or gold. It is more than the price that attracts. Silver electroplating imparts a variety of characteristics to the base metal or substrate it covers.
Silver Plating: Conductivity and More
Of all the metals, precious, semi-precious and non-precious, silver offers the highest electrical conductivity. Silver and, therefore, silver plating, is also prized because it provides it metal substrates with the following characteristics:
* High thermal conductivity
* Wear resistance
* Spectral reflectivity
* Corrosion resistance
* Antibacterial
* Increased ability by the plated object to accept paint
* Improved solderability
* Provides enhanced malleability
* Greater lubrication
Silver plating can also be improved through tarnish resistance treatment. The process of plating can also affect both the smoothness and brightness of the silver. It all depends upon what and in what amounts is added to the plating bath. All these characteristics make it perfect for employing in certain industries and procedures. This does not mean that plating can be undertaken without understanding the interactions of silver on and with other metals.
Precautions
If silver plating is to be applied to a base of steel, zinc or zinc-based alloys, it needs to have an undercoat of nickel over copper. If this is not to be the case, the result is not be employed in situations where the temperatures will rise over 300 degrees F (149 degrees C).
Silver and Now Silver Plating
Silver is a precious metal with a history that dates back centuries. It has been used in coinage. It has also been stored away as silver bullion. In the past, it was used most frequently as a decorative metal creating wonderful, soft and shimmering pieces of jewelry. Today, it has found new applications, particularly when used as a silver plating.
Among the users of silver plating today are the following industries:
* Electronic
* Industrial
* Medical
* Decorative
* Household
* Jewelry
Their uses of silver plating range from striking silver necklaces to coated electronic parts. While silver may be more expensive than other types of metals used in electroplating, it does provide a certain finish that others may lack. There is also something to be said for its high electrical conductivity. Moreover, the versatility of silver plating alone makes silver a useful metal for many electroplating operations.
Silver Plating
At PEP General Metal Finishing, precious, non-precious and semi-precious metals have been employed by us to perform high-quality electroplating. Since 1972, Gold and Silver Plating has been a portion of our excellent services. Our precise standards meet ad often surpass those established by the ASTM or military (MIL-STD) standards. To discover how our company and its services can help you with your electroplating or electropolishing, visit us at website.
