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Understanding the Applications for Different Plating Metals – Part II

Sunday, December 25, 2016

As we discussed in our last post, gold, silver, nickel and copper are a few of the most popular types of metals used in plating. These metals can be used to plate a variety of items in mechanical, electrical and commercial applications. These are not the only metals that can be used for plating, however. Let’s explore four more common plating metals and their uses.

Chrome Plating

While chrome plating is most often used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a product, there are also some more practical applications that come along with it. Products that have been chrome plated handle corrosion better and are also more resistant to friction. Chrome plating is done through an electroplating process, and iron and steel are the types of metal that are most often chrome plated.

Zinc Plating

This type of plating is used early and often in the automotive industry. Zinc is a metal that is resistant to oxidation and corrosion, so the bodies of many vehicles and a variety of components are plated with zinc to prevent rusting. Zinc is plated using electroplating, and is commonly seen with an array of metal products that are exposed to the elements, like nails, washers and bolts.

Rhodium Plating

Rhodium is a kind of platinum that is utilized to provide tarnish and scratch resistance, most commonly in the world of jewelry. While expensive – often costing more than gold – the metal offers an excellent corrosion protection and provides a smooth finish. Outside of jewelry, rhodium plating is most commonly used in furnaces, catalytic converters and optical equipment.

Tin Plating

Although you might not see many tin-plated products throughout your everyday life, the electronics and food processing industries use tin plating quite often. Tin plating makes products easier to solder and improves their resistance to corrosion. Tin plating is most often used with products made from copper and nickel.

Plating products offers a wide range of benefits, but to make sure the plating process is done correctly, you should always work with a business that is experienced with it. At Lowrance Machine, we have more than 50 years of experience helping businesses with a range of services, including plating. Learn more about our plating services and other capabilities by calling us today at 281-449-6524.