Electroplating of metals by industry experts

what is electroplating?

The creation of metallic coatings using electroplating techniques is a process with a long tradition. Aalberts surface technologies offers professional, state-of-the-art electroplating services with many kinds of metal finishes (nickel, chrome, copper, etc.). It is our goal to improve the properties of your components! Some of our electroplating processes enhance their gliding properties and increase their resistance to wear and corrosion.

electroplating of metals

Electroplating involves the use of direct current to deposit metallic coatings onto workpieces. The type of metal used as anode is determined by the coating to be deposited onto the cathode. Depending on the desired function or decorative purpose, we offer the following electroplating metal finishes:

Chrome
Gold
Copper
Nickel
Nickel sulfamate
Silver
Zinc
Zinc-iron
Zinc-nickel
Tin

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you are looking for comprehensive and non-binding advice on the surface treatments and surface finishes suitable for your components.

Continue reading to learn more about the advantages and features of our custom electroplating services.

electroplating - technology and process

Electroplating covers a wide range of applications for research and practice: During electroplating, the parts to be finished are immersed in special electrolytes. Electrochemical and chemical reactions occur.

In electrochemical processes, metal ions are loosened from the anode (the metal to be applied) and deposited onto the cathode (the object to be coated) through electric current. The results are influenced by different parameters, such as the anode, the material, the electrolyte composition, the temperature and the current.

Our Zwönitz location

Products finished with high-tech electroplating (Tin, silver and gold)

beyond the limits of common electroplating processes

The heart of our electroplating processes beats in Zwönitz, Germany. This is where we use cutting-edge processes and develop individual solutions for new requirements and customer wishes. If a mere coating process happens to be insufficient for a certain type of application, we will tackle it with other measures in order to achieve the desired result.

As for materials which are difficult to electroplate, we prefer to perform chemical pre-treatments and, in some cases, sandblasting or frictional grinding. Thus, we prevent embrittlement in high-strength steels. Steel alloys with high copper, lead or manganese contents require appropriate preliminary treatments in order to allow the electroplated coating to unfold its full durability and protective effect. Our offer comprises all common treatments, such as degreasing by pickling, degreasing by boiling, electrolytic degreasing and deoxidation. Using temperature sensors, we record the temperatures during the burn-in process so that you can keep track of the hydrogen de-embrittlement of your batch.

We at Aalberts surface technologies attach great importance to the further development and optimization of tried and tested processes. That is why we perform in-depth research activities in the area of innovative, economic and high-performance processes: We adjust every single set screw and take inventive approaches to future technologies. The focus of our developments is on functional electroplating processes. Apart from that, we offer a wide range of decorative finishes, a great variety of which can be easily combined with our technical and functional surface coatings.

gold plating - for good solderability

Being able to turn non-precious metals into gold has been a dream of mankind for as long as anyone can remember. Although we cannot fulfill this dream either, we can finish metallic components with gold plating. During electroplating, a steady current flow from an electrolyte enriched with salts and gold ions deposits the gold onto the component’s conductive surface. Gold coatings are generally characterized by high ductility, resistance to tarnishing, good solderability and a low, specific electrical resistance.

We offer both common gold plating and gold/cobalt alloy coatings, which are more resistant to wear and harder. Both types of surface coatings are suitable, for instance, for electroplating plug connectors for the electronics industry. However, these coatings are also worth considering when it comes to batteries, professional halogen lamps, components used in the aerospace industry, radar equipment and high-temperature soldering.

electroplating with copper - the basis for nickel

Copper serves as a base for further electroplated coatings, such as tin or nickel electroplating. The procedure starts with the deposition of bright, microcrystalline and ductile copper coatings in an electrolytic process. The advantage of a finished copper-nickel coating system: It fulfills numerous requirements when it comes to corrosion protection accompanied by attractive looks. Copper is characterized by good covering properties, high ductility and excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. When applied as a base coating, it counteracts strains between the component and the coating system. What is more, copper coatings are also suitable for subsequent passivation.

nickel electroplating - smooth nickel coatings from matte to shiny

Nickel electroplating is a process during which metallic workpieces are coated with nickel. Nickel has a silvery color with a slightly yellowish tint. The deposition of the nickel coating occurs in an electrolytic way via so-called nickel electrolytes. Subtle irregularities on the workpiece surface are compensated by special organic additives contained in the electrolyte and by the adjustment of certain process parameters. These measures result in the creation of a shiny finish. Nickel electroplating increases both the material’s corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity.

When it comes to decorative applications, nickel-plated components are a possible alternative to chrome coatings. Be it matte or polished to a shine, nickel coatings can be customized to your individual needs. Aalberts surface technologies has been a successful provider of high-quality nickel electroplating services for the automobile and electronics industries for years.

nickel sulfamate - electroplating technology for the repair of components

Nickel sulfamate is a complex chemical compound used in electrolyte solutions for the deposition of relatively thick and pure nickel layers. This surface treatment technology is particularly suitable for the repair of damaged and defective components. Nickel sulfamate coatings are very ductile and offer good protection against wear and corrosion. Beyond that, the coatings are ideal for machining.

expert silver electroplating services

Silver plating involves the use of current in electrolytes enriched with silver salts to deposit silver onto conductive workpiece surfaces. Silver coatings are characterized by excellent electrical conductivity, good chemical resistance and high ductility, which is why they are ideal for soldering. What is more, they reduce transition resistances and have a self-lubricating effect.

Due to their excellent electrical conductivity, silver coatings are used, inter alia, in the electronics, high-voltage and telecommunications industries. Besides, Aalberts surface technologies has a long history of cooperating with renowned companies from the food and chemicals industries. Stainless steel connectors and shut-off valves, for example, are finished with silver plating to reliably prevent fretting and corrosion.

zinc electroplating - inexpensive and effective corrosion protection

Zinc electroplating is the most inexpensive, most effective and most frequently used method for creating reliable corrosion protection. Moreover, this type of surface finish is characterized by good temperature resistance and attractive optics. What is more, our zinc coatings are free from Cr(VI).

Aalberts surface technologies also offers follow-up coating options for zinc-plated finishes:

Blue, black and transparent passivation coatings or thick-film passivation
Topcoats (sealing layers)
Thermal treatments (tempering) for dehydrogenation can be implemented upon completion of the coating process

Our company provides all imaginable industrial sectors with zinc electroplating services. The automotive industry, the sanitary engineering industry, the construction and fittings industries and the metalworking industry are just a few examples.

zinc-iron electroplating for extreme temperatures

Zinc-iron plating is a galvanic coating process for technical and decorative surfaces. Characterized by increased temperature resistance, zinc-iron coatings show their strength when subjected to extreme temperature loads. Following the application of a sealing layer, they offer excellent corrosion protection. Black or transparent passivation coatings may also be applied as follow-up coatings for zinc-iron finishes. Another advantage of this technique: Zinc-iron coatings are free from hexavalent chromium, which makes them eco-friendly.

Aalberts surface technologies offers this type of surface finish for steel alloys and ferrous materials, including cast iron. Typical applications can be found in the automotive and construction equipment industries, in the sheet metal processing industry, in the area of electrical engineering as well as in the equipment and mechanical engineering sectors.

zinc-nickel electroplating services for the automotive industry

Electroplated zinc-nickel alloys fulfill the automotive industry’s very demanding requirements with regard to engine compartment, chassis and underbody components. We perform this process using our cutting-edge, fully automated plants. Following zinc-nickel electroplating, it is possible to add a Cr(VI)-free passivation coating for protecting the surface. Sealing layers and topcoats applied afterwards will enhance the materials’ corrosion resistance even further.

Zinc-nickel coatings offer excellent and long-term corrosion protection, even when subjected to strong thermal loads. The coating prevents aluminum-related contact corrosion in steel components. Apart from that, zinc-nickel coatings are very ductile: Coated products can be subjected to heavy machining operations without having to worry about surface flaking and cracks.

tin plating for electromagnetic shielding

Tin plating involves the use of current in electrolytes enriched with tin salts to deposit tin onto conductive workpiece surfaces. Aalberts surface treatment offers tin plating services for aluminum alloys as well as for non-ferrous metals, ferrous materials, stainless steel, titanium materials and die-cast zinc parts.

The advantages of tin coatings:

Good solderability
High ductility
Good electrotechnical properties
Excellent corrosion protection, also on copper and steel
Resistant to organic acids (in the absence of oxygen)
Self-lubricating

Tin plating is primarily used for technical parts which have to be conductive, solderable and electromagnetically shielded, as is the case, for example, with housings of electric plugs or plug contacts. Self-lubricating bearings also fall within the scope of application of tin plating. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you would like to discuss the application possibilities and viable alternatives.

In the past, chrome plating would be used to protect metal parts (such as door handles, bumpers or trims) against corrosion. Today, many components are made from plastics. If such components are chrome-plated at all, it occurs partially for decorative purposes only.

When it comes to drives, some parts are still finished with hard chrome plating to protect them against wear.

WHAT ELECTROPLATING PROCESS IS PARTICULARLY SUITABLE FOR THE REPAIR OF COMPONENTS?

Hard chrome plating is usually used for this purpose.

WHAT ELECTROPLATING PROCESS ACHIEVES MAXIMUM CORROSION PROTECTION?

This depends on the field of use.

When it comes to decorative corrosion protection, attractive and perfect finishes as well as targeted design effects can be created with electroplating processes and coating systems involving copper/nickel/chromium.

The automotive industry attaches great importance to long-term corrosion protection and attractive finishes, features which must also be able to withstand high temperatures. Cathodic corrosion protection fulfills these criteria. These finishes are achieved with galvanically deposited zinc and zinc alloys.

Permanent protection against wear and corrosion can also be achieved with hard chrome plating.

WHAT METALLIC COATINGS FALL WITHIN THE SCOPE OF AALBERTS SURFACE TECHNOLOGIES ELECTROPLATING SERVICES?

We create the following electroplating metal finishes: chrome, DURALLOY^® (hard chrome), gold, copper, nickel, nickel sulfamate, silver, zinc, zinc-iron, zinc-nickel and tin.