How Metal Plating Works

Metal plating provides many benefits to products made from metal and other
materials. Plating is a manufacturing process in which a thin layer of metal
coats a substrate. This can be achieved through electroplating, which requires
an electric current, or through electroless plating, which is in autocatalytic
chemical process. In either case, the technique results in one or several of the
following benefits:
Improved corrosion resistance
Decorative appeal
Increased solderability
Enhanced strength
Reduced friction
Altered conductivity
Enhanced paint adhesion
Increased magnetism
Gold Plating
Gold is prized for its high resistance to oxidation and electrical conductivity.
Gold plating, which differs from gilding in that the gold is not a foil, is one of
the simplest ways to impart these characteristics on metals such as copper and
silver. The process is often used for jewelry decoration and for improving
conductivity of electronics parts such as electrical connectors.

When gold plating copper, tarnishing is an issue and can most easily be
resolved by preceding deposition with a nickel strike. Also consider hardness
and purity of the gold when determining factors such as optimal bath mixture
and length of immersion.
Silver Plating
Like gold, silver is used in plating applications that call for decorative appeal
and improved electrical conductivity. In general, silver serves as a more cost-
effective plating solution because it is cheaper than gold and plates copper
well.

Issues that may limit silver plating as a viable plating solution include
humidity and galvanic corrosion. Specifically, silver plating does not work well
for applications that are subjected to high humidity because silver is prone to
cracking and flaking, which may eventually expose the base substrate.
Nickel Plating
Nickel plating is a popular plating metal, especially because its useful in
electroless plating. Nickel plating often coats household products such as
doorknobs, cutlery and shower fixtures for enhanced decoration and wear
resistance. Nickel plates commonly bond with copper and aluminum, but also
work on a wide variety of metals.

In electroless plating, a nickel phosphorous alloy is used. The percentage of
phosphorous in the solution can vary between two and 14 percent. Higher
levels of phosphorous enhance hardness and corrosion resistance. Lower
levels of phosphorous allow higher solderability and magnetism.
Copper Plating
Copper is another popular plating metal for applications that require high
conductivity and cost efficiency. Copper plating often serves as a strike coating
pretreatment for subsequent metal platings. It is also a popular plating metal
for electronics components such as printed-circuit boards. High-plating
efficiency and low material cost make copper one of the less expensive metals
to plate with.

There are three types of copper plating processesalkaline, mildly alkaline
and acid. Higher alkaline levels deliver superior throwing power, but require
lower current densities and enhanced safety precautions. Health inspectors
have linked cyanide in alkaline copper baths to certain health hazards, so its
important to monitor these levels.
Rhodium Plating
Rhodium is a type of platinum that provides tarnish resistance, scratch-
resistance and a shiny, white lustrous appearance. Rhodium plating is also
common in jewelry production, especially in situations where white gold
requires plating. Silver, platinum and copper are also popular base metals for
rhodium plating.
One downside of rhodium plating is that the protective barrier of rhodium will
eventually wear away in applications that are subjected to high levels of wear.
This can eventually lead to discoloration, and will likely require a second
round of plating after a few years.
Since the Industrial Revolution, tarnishing of sterling silver is a natural process. This is a result
of the oxidation of the metal. Our precious metals are under constant attack by atmospheric
pollutants during the manufacturing process, time in storage, transit, use and display.

Of particular concern for sterling silver jewelry is hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and sulfur dioxide
(SO2). Air pollution, petroleum products, fossil fuel combustion and natural sulfate breakdown
are the culprits of corrosion, tarnishing and discoloration of metals.

Ironically, the more you wear your silver, the less it tarnishes! Silver should be protected from
objects which are rich in sulfur such as: dried hard woods like oak, many paper and corrugated
products made from the pulp of these woods. Oxidized / tarnished silver can be restored to its
original color by a variety of methods

There are several reasons for discoloration of gold jewelry, such as metallic abrasion and
corrosion, and they can sometimes be prevented with some general care.
Different gold manufacturers may use different alloy percentages. Gold itself does not corrode,
or oxidize, but its primary alloy materials, silver and copper, will do so. When they oxidize they
form very dark chemical compounds under moist or wet conditions.