Plating

Optimized by Faraday's Law, electroplating is the process of applying a layer (or layers) of metal onto a metallic surface by running a positively-charged current from an anode (typically the desired plated metal) in a dissolved metallic ions bath to a cathode (the part needed to be plated). Coating Systems's functional and decorative electroplating baths consists of zinc, tin, nickel, chrome, zinc-nickel alloy, and copper. Other functional finishes at CSI are electroless nickel plating and stainless steel passivation.

Electroless Nickel

Plating process that utilizes heat, chemical complexors and stabilizers instead of electrical current to bond the nickel to the substrate. This allows for even plating throughout a part’s surface. Contains phosphorous for a harder deposit than regular nickel plate. Excellent for putting a nickel deposit on aluminum, or as a base for gold, or silver. Here at Coating Systems, we offer both mid-phos and high-phos electroless nickel requirements.

  • No Bake
    (MIL-C-26074 Class 1)
  • 450º F, 2 OR MORE HOURS.
    (MIL-C-26074 Class 2)
  • 375º F +/- 25º, 1–1.5 HOURS
    (MIL-C-26074 Class 3)
  • 250º F, 1–1.5 HOURS
    (MIL-C-26074 Class 4)
  • .0010” MIN THK
    (MIL-C-26074 Grade 1)
  • .0005” MIN THK
    (MIL-C-26074 Grade 2)
  • .0015” MIN THK
    (MIL-C-26074 Grade 3)
  • No Heat
    (ASTM-B733 Class 1)
  • 250–400°C
    (ASTM-B733 Class 2)
  • 180-200°C, 2-4 Hours
    (ASTM-B733 Class 3)
  • 120-130°C, 1 Hour
    (ASTM-B733 Class 4)
  • 140-150°C, 1 Hour
    (ASTM-B733 Class 5)
  • .000004” THK MIN THK
    (ASTM-B733 SC0)
  • .0002” THK MIN THK
    (ASTM-B733 SC1)
  • .0005” THK MIN THK
    (ASTM-B733 SC2)
  • .001” THK MIN THK
    (ASTM-B733 SC3)
  • .003” THK MIN THK
    (ASTM-B733 SC4)
  • No Bake
    (AMS-2404 Class 1)
  • 450º F, 2 OR MORE HOURS.
    (AMS-2404 Class 2)
  • 375º F +/- 25º, 1–1.5 HOURS
    (AMS-2404 Class 3)
  • 250º F, 1–1.5 HOURS
    (AMS-2404 Class 4)
  • .0010” MIN THK
    (AMS-2404 Grade 1)
  • .0005” MIN THK
    (AMS-2404 Grade 2)
  • .0015” MIN THK
    (AMS-2404 Grade 3)

Zinc Plating

An electrolytic plating process used for corrosion protection. Zinc functions as a sacrificial layer of metal protecting the substrate (typically steel). Various types of chromates are available in blue, yellow, black and RoHS compliance upon request.

  • Zinc Only
    (ASTM-B633 Class 1)
  • Zinc Black
    (ASTM-B633 Type 2)
  • Zinc Yellow
    (ASTM-B633 Type 2 or 6)
  • Zinc Clear
    (ASTM-B633 Type 2, 3, or 5)
  • .0002” MIN
    (ASTM-B633 FE/ZN5 SC1)
  • .0003” MIN
    (ASTM-B633 FE/ZN8 SC2)
  • .0005” MIN
    (ASTM-B633 FE/ZN12 SC3)
  • .0010” MIN
    (ASTM-B633 FE/ZN25 SC4)

Tin Plating

Bright or matte tin plating used for soldering applications. Tin metal is an extremely abundant and inexpensive metal that is soft and ductile metal layer compared to other finishes. It provides superior solderability as well as excellent corrosion protection.

  • Electrodeposited

    (MIL-T-10727 Type 1)

  • .0001” THK
    (ASTM-B545 Service Class A)
  • .0005” MIN THK
    (ASTM-B545 Service Class A)
  • .0015” MIN THK
    (MIL-C-26074 Grade 3)

Zinc-Nickel Plating

An alkaline alloy (12%–15% nickel to zinc) that is used in the protection of steel, copper, and brass. Recognized as an environmentally safe alternative to cadmium electroplating. Normally applied for corrosion purposes. The zinc functions as a “sacrificial” layer corroding before the base material. 

  • As-Plated Without Supplementary Treatment
    (AMS 2417 Type 1)
  • As-Plated With Supplementary Chromate Treatment
    (AMS 2417 Type 2)
  • Non-Hexavalent
    (AMS 2417 Grade B)

Stainless Steel Passivate

Recommended for cleaning and descaling stainless steel. This process removes any “free iron” contamination left behind on the surface of the stainless steel from machining and fabricating which could lead to premature corrosion.

  • Low Temperature Nitric Acid
    (AMS-2700 Type 6)

  • Medium Temperature Nitric Acid
    (AMS-2700 Type 7)
  • Passivation in Nitric Acid
    (AMS-2700 Method 1)
  • Passivation in Citric Acid
    (AMS-2700 Method 2)
  • Standard Practice for Cleaning, Descaling, and Passivation of Stainless Steel Parts, Equipment, and Systems
    (ASTM A380)
  • 20-45 v% Nitric Acid, 70-90ºF, 30 minutes minimum
    (ASTM-A967 Nitric 2)
  • Other combinations of temperature, time, and acid concentrations
    (ASTM-A967 Nitric 5)
  • 4-10 w% Citric Acid, 140-160ºF, 4 minutes minimum
    (ASTM-A967 Citric 1)
  • 4-10 w% Citric Acid, 120-140ºF, 10 minutes minimum
    (ASTM-A967 Citric 2)
  • 4-10 w% Citric Acid, 70-120ºF
    (ASTM-A967 Citric 3)
  • Other combinations of temperature, time, and acid concentrations
    (ASTM-A967 Citric 4)

Bright Nickel Plating

Bright electrolytic process used for corrosion protection and cosmetic appearance. Can be used as is, or as a base for decorative chrome, gold, or silver plating. Forms a protective barrier between the base material and corrosive elements.

  • .0016″ THK
    (QQ-N-290 Grade A)
  • .0012″ THK
    (QQ-N-290 Grade B)
  • .0010″ THK
    (QQ-N-290 Grade C)
  • .0008″ THK
    (QQ-N-290 Grade D)
  • .0006″ THK
    (QQ-N-290 Grade E)
  • .0004″ THK
    (QQ-N-290 Grade F)
  • .0002″ THK
    (QQ-N-290 Grade G)
  • Corrosion Protection
    (QQ-N-290 Class 1)

Gold Plating

Gold Coating provides good corrosion resistance and high tarnish resistance. Low contact resistance and good conductor. Gold Plating provides excellent solderability

  • 99.7% GOLD MIN

  • (MIL-G-45204 TYPE 1)
  • 99.0% GOLD MIN

  • (MIL-G-45204 TYPE 2)
  • .00002″ THK MIN

  • (MIL-G-45204 CLASS 00)
  • .00003″ THK MIN

  • (MIL-G-45204 CLASS 0)
  • .00005″ THK MIN

  • (MIL-G-45204 CLASS 1)
  • .0002″ THK MIN

  • (MIL-G-45204 CLASS 3)
  • .0003″ THK MIN

  • (MIL-G-45204 CLASS 4)
  • .0005″ THK MIN

  • (MIL-G-45204 CLASS 5)
  • KNOOP 130-200

  • (MIL-G-45204 GRADE C)

Copper Plating

Shiny, bright finish that can be buffed further. Excellent undercoat for its corrosion resistance and soft, malleable property.

  • .00010″ THK MIN
    (MIL-C-14550 Class 4)
  • .00020″ THK MIN
    (MIL-C-14550 Class 3)
  • .00050″ THK MIN
    (MIL-C-14550 Class 2)
  • .00100″ THK MIN
    (MIL-C-14550 Class 1)
  • .001″ – .005″ THK MIN
    (MIL-C-14550 Class 0)

Silver Plating

Silver Plating has good corrosion resistance, and tarnishes easily. Hardness varies, with excellent solder ability that decreases with age. Silver Plating is the best electrical conductor, with excellent lubricity and smear characteristics

  • SEMI BRIGHT

  • (QQ-S-365 TYPE 2)
  • WITH ANTI TARNISH

  • (QQ-S-365 GRADE A)
  • WITHOUT ANTI TARNISH

  • (QQ-S-365 GRADE A)
  • 99.9% SILVER MIN

  • (ASTM-B700 TYPE 1)
  • 99.0% SILVER MIN

  • (ASTM-B700 TYPE 2)
  • 98.0% SILVER MIN

  • (ASTM-B700 TYPE 3)
  • WITHOUT ANTI TARNISH

  • (ASTM-B700 CLASS N)
  • WITH ANTI TARNISH

  • (ASTM-B700 CLASS S)
  • SEMI-BRIGHT

  • (ASTM-B700 CLASS D)

Allow us to work on your metal finishing requirements

Our experienced team will work with you to determine the best quality and most economic process for your product.