Metal plating is when metal is used to coat another object. This imbues the item with some of the properties of the coating metal. The potential benefits of this are wide ranging and may be practical, aesthetic or both. You need to understand these different possible advantages when deciding if metal plating is appropriate.
What is metal plating?
The process of metal plating involves taking an object made of one material and altering its properties by coating it with a metal of choice. Depending on your requirements, this metal could be nickel, iron, gold or titanium, but there are many options.
Metal plating may be electroplating, which uses electrolysis to bind the metal to the object, but there are alternatives, like the electroless nickel coating available from specialists such as www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/plating/electroless-nickel-plating/.
Benefits of Metal Plating
Improves Durability
By coating your object with a stronger metal, you improve its overall durability. It may be more resistant to physical damage, less susceptible to corrosion from chemicals or radiation, and generally more resilient, with an increased lifespan and reduced maintenance requirements.
Increases Conductivity
Certain processes and industries require items that conduct electricity or heat. All metals have at least some conductivity, and metal plating can therefore help electrical components conduct more effectively.
Lightweight
Rather than creating an object from solid metal, which can be heavy and cumbersome, you can take a lighter-weight material, such as plastic, and simply give it a strong metal coating. This will make it easier to store and transport and may prove more cost effective.
Changes Aesthetics
Often, metal plating can change the colour of an object and give it a shinier finish, making it more pleasing to the eye. This means it is frequently used in artwork or other situations where aesthetics are important or there is a need to make a visual statement.
The wide range of potential benefits means that metal plating is used in many different industries. Whether it is appropriate in any particular situation depends upon the type of metal and the intended purpose.
