What is metal electroplating?
Electroplating uses electrical current to deposit metal from solution onto a prepared conductive substrate. Nickel, zinc and copper systems have different functions and specifications. Geometry, electrical current distribution and racking affect the coating build on exposed and recessed surfaces.
Key specifications
Process references and example callouts are identified below. CHIHENG confirms the accepted material, dimensions and treatment requirements in the part quotation.
| Parameter | Reference / what to specify |
|---|---|
| Materials | Conductive substrates including steel, brass and copper; aluminium needs a suitable preparation route. |
| Coating system | Name the deposited metal, undercoat and supplementary treatment. |
| Film thickness | Specify a minimum or range in µm on identified significant surfaces. |
| Tolerance example | A uniform 10 µm radial deposit increases an outside diameter by 20 µm; this is a geometry calculation, not a process capability. |
| Colour | Defined by the coating and supplementary finish, not by the substrate alone. |
| Specification / size | ASTM B689 addresses engineering nickel electroplating. Confirm rack envelope and contact locations from CAD. |
Technical references: ASTM B689: engineering nickel coatings · ASTM B733: electroless nickel-phosphorus
Applications
Electrical equipment
Contacts and connector parts with a specified conductive coating.
Industrial assemblies
Turned pins, fittings and sleeves with defined plated surfaces.
Custom hardware
Machined components requiring a selected protective or decorative metal coating.
Working with CHIHENG
A direct conversation with our team, from your first drawing to delivery.
A reply within 24 hours
Send us your drawing and questions. Our team will reply within 24 hours and help you work out the next step.
An experienced engineering team
Talk through materials, tolerances and finishing with engineers who understand how your part will be made.
Machining equipment
We use our machining equipment and practical manufacturing experience to turn your drawings into finished parts.
Competitive worldwide shipping
We offer competitive shipping solutions for customers around the world, with options to suit your destination and delivery schedule.
Process steps
- Define the substrate, plating system, significant surfaces and required thickness.
- Clean and activate the substrate; rack and mask the component.
- Deposit the selected coating with the geometry and coverage requirement considered.
- Complete specified post-treatment and inspect coating, appearance and final fits.
Metal electroplating vs Electroless Nickel Plating
| Comparison point | Metal electroplating | Electroless Nickel Plating |
|---|---|---|
| Deposition | Driven by external electrical current | Driven by an autocatalytic chemical reaction |
| Distribution | Influenced by geometry and current density | Influenced by solution access and circulation |
| Reference | ASTM B689 for engineering nickel electroplating | ASTM B733 for electroless nickel-phosphorus |
| Selection | Choose the metal and properties required by the application | Consider nickel-alloy properties and deposition on complex geometry |
Details for your plating enquiry
- Tell us the base material, plating system and required thickness, including any recesses that need coverage.
- Mark the final fits, threads and surfaces that must remain unplated.
- For high-strength steel, include the material condition and any specified hydrogen-embrittlement controls.
FAQ
Which plating metal should I request?
Start with the drawing specification or the required function. Include the substrate, service environment and any electrical or wear requirements so a suitable system can be discussed. The deposited metal and any supplementary treatment must be named in the enquiry. Nickel, zinc and copper are not interchangeable coating systems for the same function.
Is electroless nickel the same as electroplating?
No. Electroless nickel uses a chemical deposition process rather than an externally applied electrical current. State the exact process required instead of using the terms interchangeably. Identify significant surfaces, inspection locations and final fits. A minimum value on an exposed face does not automatically describe coverage inside a deep recess.
Can a plated part still meet a fitted dimension?
The coating and dimensional requirements must be considered together. Identify the dimensions that apply after plating and any surfaces that need masking. Discuss substrate strength and any specified post-treatment with the coating requirement. Include all restrictions and acceptance records before the finished component is quoted.
How does plating change a diameter?
A deposited layer changes the finished size. As a geometry example, a uniform 10 µm coating around a cylindrical outside surface increases its diameter by 20 µm. Actual distribution depends on the process and geometry. State post-plating dimensions, masking and inspection locations rather than relying only on a nominal film value.
Is electroplating the same as electroless nickel?
Electroplating uses an external electrical current, whereas electroless nickel uses an autocatalytic chemical reaction. Their coating compositions, distribution and specifications differ. If electroless nickel is required, name that process explicitly and include its coating designation and any heat treatment. Nickel plating alone may not establish which process the purchaser intends.
