While tank immersion remains the conventional means in electroplating, it is not the solution to all situations. If a manufactured part requires only a touch-up of a certain component, electroplating the entire piece would be not cost-efficient. Instead, a technique known originally as “brush plating,” is the solution. Today, the method is referred to as selective plating.
Selective Plating: Method
Selective plating is the process of enhancing, repairing and/or refurbishing a specific area on a component. The process, instead of utilizing immersion baths or tanking, relies on masking and a brushing technique. In this manner, silver, gold, chrome, nickel, copper, tin or other metals are electroplated to the substrate of the affected component. To achieve the desired result, the experts at metal plating services such as ProPlate use a technique known as masking.
Masking: Essential for Selective Plating
One common method of masking involves creating a coating (the mask) by dipping the end into a specific fluid. When it dries, it forms a solid mask. This protects the rest of the piece during the selective plating process. After plating, the company peels the mask from the piece. Other means of separating the part to be plated and the rest of the component are plugs or caps. Their composition is of silicone rubber or vinyl.
A number of industries for several reasons request this process. They want to
- Touch up existing plated manufactured parts
- Repair the existing manufactured plated parts and/or objects
- Finish the surface of a component
- Enhance the surface properties of their manufactured parts
- Reduce the cost of repairing, enhancing or refurbishing a component
Selective plating becomes a device through which companies like ProPlate can help manufacturers improve their products while keeping the costs low.
Industry and Selective Plating
Several industries turn to selective plating to help maintain a healthy bottom line while keeping their products safe and intact. Among the major proponents of this form of plating is the aerospace industry. They use it to help correct any poor machining, to repair worn out parts and to modify surfaces or reach specifications. Other industries who employ ProPlate and similar companies include the medical sector and petrochemical productions. They admire its ability to be cost-effective and its versatility in usage – being able to handle both small and large lots
Selective Plating
In today’s market, providing safe and functional products is on par with adhering to the various specifications and regulations. However, a company is also carried certain obligations to its stockholders. It must keep spending under control. Choosing ProPlate to perform selective plating is one means through which an industrial concern can meet all its obligations.
If you need to touch up but not completely coat a part, talk to the experts at Professional Plating about Selective Plating. They will talk you through the process, offering you any potential options. As specialists in industrial electroplating since 1983, they have developed a reputation for quality and innovative production methods.
