Invar Electroplating Services

Many industries use Invar for components due to its dimensional stability in extremely hot and cold temperatures. With Invar electroplating, manufacturers can deposit a thin layer of Invar onto other materials to make them more resistant to temperature fluctuations. Learn more about this alloy's properties and applications below, and discover why SPC is the best choice for Invar electroplating services.

Overview of Invar's Properties

Invar is a metal alloy containing iron and nickel. Typically, commercial-grade Invar is made of 36% Nickel and 64% Iron¹, giving it the generic name 64FeNi or Invar 36. This specific combination of nickel and iron gives Invar the following distinct properties:

• Thermal stability: Invar's most notable property is its low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), which is how much a material's size or volume² changes due to heat. Many metals have a high CTE, causing their shape to distort in extremely hot temperatures. Ivar's low CTE helps the material's dimensions remain stable, which is essential for high-precision applications.
• Cryogenic stability: Invar also maintains its structural integrity at very low or cryogenic temperatures, usually below negative 238 degrees Fahrenheit³.
• High strength: Invar is a tough and strong alloy that can withstand intense pressure. This property makes Ivar suitable for high-stress applications where durability is crucial.

The Importance of Plating Onto Invar

Despite its advantageous properties, Invar has poor to moderate corrosion resistance. Although it can withstand milder conditions without oxidizing, it often needs surface treatments like electroplating to improve its corrosion resistance in high-moisture environments. Nickel is a popular coating for Invar due to its high corrosion resistance⁴, but tin and zinc can also protect against corrosion.

Nickel is also a good plating option for Invar alloy as it increases its wear resistance. Invar is not specifically suitable for high-wear applications without an additional coating to shield the material from friction and abrasion. Copper, gold and silver plating can also enhance Invar's conductivity.

Types of Invar

Multiple variations of Invar exist, with each one differing by its CTE, cost and application. The common types of Invar we plate onto include:

• Invar 36: Invar 36 comprises 36% nickel and 64% iron and is the first type Guillaume originally discovered. It has a CTE of close to zero⁵ and is suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Alloy 42: Alloy 42 — called Invar 42 or Nilo 42 — comprises 42% nickel and 58% iron⁶. It can withstand higher temperatures than other Invar compositions thanks to its extra nickel content.
• Alloy 48: Alloy 48 — called Invar 48 or Nilo 48 — comprises 48% nickel and 52% iron. While higher than Invar 36, its CTE matches that of soft lead⁷ and soda-lime glasses.
• Super Invar: Super Invar comprises 32% nickel, 63% iron and 5% cobalt. It has an even lower CTE⁸ than Invar 36, allowing it to maintain dimensional stability at higher temperatures.
• Kovar: Kovar — called Invar K or Nilo K — comprises 29% nickel, 54% iron and 17% cobalt. It has a higher CTE than Invar 36 but has excellent glass-to-metal sealing⁹ capabilities.

Invar Application Examples

In the early days of its discovery, people used Invar for surveying tapes, pendulum clocks and glass sealing wire. Today, various industries utilize Invar for temperature-sensitive and high-stress applications. For example, Invar is commonly used in precision instruments like thermostats, microscopes and optical devices. Other scientific and medical instruments also rely on Ivar's dimensional stability.

The electronic, automotive and aerospace industries benefit from Invar's low CTE and ability to maintain tight tolerances. Some examples of Invar applications in these industries include:

• Engine valves
• Satellite components
• Circuit breakers
• Laser systems
• Composite part molds
• Semiconductor frames

Benefits of Choosing SPC for Invar Electroplating

SPC is a full-service coating company that serves multiple industries¹⁰, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, semiconductors, optics and more. We use innovative techniques and processes to plate onto many materials, including Invar. SPC is a top choice for Invar electroplating because of our:

1. Experience

For over 90 years, SPC has provided quality, cost-effective and innovative metal finishing solutions. We're regarded as the industry's top gold and silver plating companies and are one of the few plating businesses that can plate gold and nickel onto titanium. SPC can also plate onto plastics, which is something beyond the scope of most of our competitors.

2. Knowledge 

Our team is the primary driver for SPC's success. We hire only the most educated and accredited industry professionals who share our passion for ensuring customer satisfaction. We are committed to innovating and staying ahead of the curve, allowing us to use highly specialized techniques you won't find elsewhere.

3. Services

SPC is truly a full-service company. We can plate onto multiple base materials such as plastics, ceramics, copper, metal alloys and steel. Our coatings include copper, gold, nickel, palladium, rhodium, silver and more. 

We go above and beyond to offer additional services like surface preparation, immersion washing, mass finishing, vibratory edge breaking, parts cleaning and prototyping. We can handle whatever processes your Invar plating application requires. SPC can also plate Invar onto your base material of choice.

4. Consulting

At SPC, we take a consulting approach¹¹ to our services. While other companies may recommend the option with the highest profit for them, our team works with our clients to understand their unique requirements. We use our decades of experience to find the best process for any product or budget.

5. Customization

Need custom Invar plating solutions? SPC has you covered. Once we understand your business's needs, we'll tailor our services to achieve the required results. It's our goal to ensure each of our clients is satisfied with the services they receive, and sometimes, they require more specialized services than what's usually available. We're not afraid to take on a complex or unusual plating project.

Trust SPC for Your Invar Electroplating Needs

If you're looking for a reputable Invar electroplating company, SPC is the right choice for your business. Don't just take our word for it — read over some of the testimonials¹² clients have given about our services.

When you're ready to start working with us, request a no-obligation quote¹³.

Ends Notes:

1. https://www.britannica.com/technology/Invar
2. https://www.britannica.com/science/thermal-expansion
3. https://www.britannica.com/science/cryogenics
4. https://www.sharrettsplating.com/blog/which-metal-finishing-option-is-for-you/
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/invar
6. https://www.aotco.com/invar-and-alloy42
7. https://www.alloywire.com/alloys/nilo-48/
8. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/tetsutohagane/105/6/105_TETSU-2019-001/_article/-char/ja/ 
9. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Study-of-Pulse-Electrochemical-Machining-of-Ferrous-B%C3%A4hre-Weber/5400b8c547060dde2c60133560eb2c7384467b87
10. https://www.sharrettsplating.com/industries/
11. https://www.sharrettsplating.com/additional-services/consulting
12. https://www.sharrettsplating.com/about/testimonials
13. https://www.sharrettsplating.com/quotes/