Gold is a precious metal that many people equate with high monetary value and aesthetic appeal. In addition, gold has many properties that can protect industrial products and prolong their lifespans. Although gold plating can be more expensive than some other metal finishing techniques, it often delivers the best long-term return on investment.
Exploring the Advantages of Gold Electroplating
Some of the many benefits of industrial gold plating include:
- Superior corrosion protection: Gold is one of the least reactive of all the metals used for electroplating. It won’t react with oxygen in the atmosphere to produce rust that can significantly shorten a product’s lifespan. As a result, gold plating is often the best option for manufacturing projects that require maximum corrosion protection.
- Good electrical conductivity: Sometimes, it is necessary to enable a non-conductive material to transmit an electrical current. A gold coating can “metalize” a product made of ceramic or plastic for electronics industry applications. Gold can carry a current well, and it can withstand the extreme heat that occurs with many electrical connections. It also won’t corrode when exposed to battery acids and other rust-producing materials.
- Greater durability: Gold is one of the stronger metals available for the metal plating process. An electroplated gold coating can make the surface of a substrate more resistant to dings, scratches and normal wear and tear. It’s also possible to customize the thickness of the gold coating to suit the application by applying multiple thin layers.
- Unique malleability: Although gold is strong, it is also the most malleable and ductile of all the metals. It’s possible to hammer gold into thin sheets that are suitable for electroplating applications. Consequently, gold can work well for coating a wide variety of materials with different shapes and thicknesses.
- Biocompatibility: Gold is not harmful to living tissue and is resistant to germs. The medical devices industry frequently uses gold-plated implants and heart stents. The dental industry also uses gold plating for manufacturing fillings and implants.
SPC Offers Premium Industrial Gold Plating Services
SPC has been a leading innovator in the metal finishing industry for more than 90 years. We can work with you to provide custom gold electroplating services that will improve the quality of your products and add value to your manufacturing operation. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of gold industrial plating and get a free quote today.
