Metal Plating and Coating Solutions for Every Industry

Selecting the Right Metal Plating for Your Application
When it comes to metal plating and coatings, selecting the right process depends on several factors, including the base metal, environmental exposure, wear resistance, conductivity, and cost. Whether you need corrosion resistance, increased hardness, or improved conductivity, we offer a range of solutions tailored to your needs.
Understanding Your Base Metal
Before choosing a plating process, we start with the substrate. The type of metal being plated plays a critical role in determining the best coating. Common base metals include:
- Aluminum – Lightweight but prone to oxidation
- Steel – Strong but susceptible to rust
- Stainless Steel – Naturally corrosion-resistant but may require further treatment
- Titanium – High strength and corrosion-resistant but challenging to plate
- Magnesium – Lightweight but highly reactive
Application Considerations
The intended use of your part dictates the type of plating required. Some typical industry applications include:
- Aerospace & Defense – Requires precision coatings with extreme durability
- Oil & Gas – Needs high corrosion resistance for harsh environments
- Commercial & Industrial – Ranges from hardware components to specialized machinery
- Electronics & Communications – Demands highly conductive coatings for signal transmission
- Firearms & Military Equipment – Uses durable, wear-resistant coatings to ensure longevity
Choosing the Right Coating
Plating serves various purposes, from corrosion resistance to electrical conductivity and abrasion resistance. Below are some of the most common coating options:
Corrosion Resistance
Virtually all metals need protection against oxidation. Common plating options include:
- Chromate Conversion Coating (Chem Film) – lightweight, cost-effective solution for aluminum
- Electroless Nickel – Provides uniform corrosion resistance
- Gold Plating – The ultimate corrosion-resistant and conductive coating.
- Black Oxide & Manganese Phosphate – Economical coatings for rust prevention, commonly used in firearms and industrial applications
Electrical Conductivity
For applications requiring conductivity, the following options are available:
- Nickel Plating – Offers known resistance values
- Tin Plating – A cost-effective, highly conductive choice
- Silver Plating – Superior conductivity for high-performance applications
- Gold Plating – The industry standard for high-end electronic connections
Wear & Abrasion Resistance
For components that undergo friction and wear, we recommend:
- Electroless Nickel (EN) – Hard and wear-resistant
- Electroless Nickel with PTFE (Pentuf) – A low-friction, self-lubricating coating (AMS 2450 spec)
- Boron Nitride Electroless Nickel – The hardest EN coating, with post-plate heat treatment achieving a Rockwell C hardness of 65-68, comparable to hard chrome
Lead Times & Project Complexity
The complexity of your project determines the turnaround time. Simple processes on small batches can be completed in just a few days, while intricate aerospace or multi-coating projects requiring masking and precision plating may take several weeks. We work with companies of all sizes, from local machine shops to major aerospace contractors, ensuring top-tier quality and reliability.
Get in Touch
Whether you need a simple protective coating or a highly specialized plating solution for a critical application, our team has the expertise to guide you through the process. Contact us today to discuss your project and find the best plating solution for your needs.