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How to Avoid Tarnishing

While metal finishing processes such as electroplating and electroless plating provide numerous benefits, the presence of post-plate tarnishing can diminish the value of the plating process over time. Tarnish is essentially a thin layer of corrosion that frequently develops on the surface of a part in the form of a dull blackish or grayish film. […]

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Alternatives to Cadmium for Plating Connectors

Before the 1960s, cadmium, also referred to by its elemental abbreviation “Cd,” was the go-to material for numerous industries. The blossoming aerospace industry and rapidly expanding military industry both sought cadmium for use in several key mechanical applications, but things changed when expanding research discovered several drawbacks of the material, both to public health and […]

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How to Attain a Bright, Reflective Finish on Your Metal Parts

One of the biggest challenges that metal finishing companies face is meeting the requirements of manufacturers who demand a bright, reflective appearance for their parts and components. This is especially important in applications where a high level of aesthetic appeal is necessary to make the finished product more attractive to prospective buyers. Obviously, the choice […]

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Hydrogen Embrittlement & Electroplating

Hydrogen Embrittlement & Electroplating: What You Need to Know The electroplating process involves the use of an aqueous electrolyte solution (known as the plating “bath”) that consists of dissolved metal salts, ions and various chemicals. However, the primary bath component is something we all use every day: water. As most of us learned in elementary […]

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When to Choose Electroless Nickel Over Nickel Electroplating

Nickel is one of the most versatile metals used for plating applications. A nickel coating can be applied via the traditional electroplating process, which requires the use of an electric current. Another option is to employ an electroless process where deposition occurs via autocatalytic reaction. While both offer a number of important metal finishing benefits, […]

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Zinc Plating: An Important Part of Today’s Auto Manufacturing Processes

If you’ve purchased a new car recently, there’s a good chance it is equipped with a number of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Auto manufacturers developed these revolutionary systems as a means of making autos easier to operate and more importantly, enhancing driver safety. In general, ADAS are a collection of technologies that help drivers […]

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Solving the Porosity Problem With Vacuum Impregnation

Porosity is an ongoing problem in the manufacturing of metal castings. Porosity leads to leakage, which can make the casting virtually unusable. Porosity is a particularly pervasive threat in castings made of aluminum, zinc, bronze and various metal alloys, and a number of issues can lead to porosity in a casting. Internal shrinkage, the formation […]

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Tin-Lead Electroplating Alternatives

Plating with a tin-lead alloy is often used when a softer and more ductile surface is desired. Depending on the application, the alloy can consist of anywhere from 50 to 95 percent tin. A tin-lead alloy offers a wide range of appearances, as matte, semi-bright or bright finishes can be achieved. Tin-lead plating also offers […]

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Choosing the Right Gold Plating Bath

When it comes to electroplating, gold plating is typically viewed as the “gold standard” for the industry. Most plating experts agree that if the relatively high cost of gold plating fits your budget, you should make it your first choice. Keep in mind the increased expense of gold plating is often offset by a significant […]

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Answers to Your Gold Plating Questions

When you think of gold plating, you probably think of the application of a glittery coating often used to enhance the appearance of jewelry and other metallic items. However, gold plating can provide more than aesthetic appeal. The following answers to some frequently asked questions can provide additional insight regarding the true benefits of gold […]

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