Copper
Copper is a supremely versatile metal that benefits various industries with effective conductivity and malleability.
While its advantages generally outweigh its negatives, copper can still succumb to various issues — most notably corrosion and reduced strength. You might also find yourself in situations that call for enhancing the natural capabilities of copper.
You can create a more well-rounded metal with the use of plating services, and Hard Chrome Specialists will deliver on your specifications. We're an ISO-certified operation that carefully analyzes your needs and addresses them with top-tier service on quick turnaround times.
Can Copper Be Chrome Plated?
Hard chrome plating on copper might seem unconventional, but it's proven to be quite useful in various industries.
The process follows a similar progression to chrome plating on steel. We will thoroughly clean the copper to remove dirt and grime, and then we will activate it with an acid pickle before striking it with nickel. From there, we will then dip it an electrochemical bath of chromium, which we will gradually stimulate with increasing electric current to produce a fine layer of chrome deposit on the copper.
Benefits of Chrome Plating for Copper
Copper naturally corrodes, forming a patina or a greenish oxide coating on the outside. Chrome layering can stave off these issues, as it drastically increases corrosion deterrence due to an even layer and natural resistance to many elements.
It also adds hardness, which helps to mitigate copper's natural softness. You'll receive a distinctive, shiny gleam that makes the parts easier to detect and more aesthetically pleasing.
What Are Common Applications for Chrome Plating on Copper?
You can apply chrome plating to copper instruments, ice machine evaporators, plumbing pipes and fittings and even artwork.
Can Copper Be Nickel Plated?
This process utilizes chemical agents in an aqueous solution to drive deposition, which is a departure from the electroplating of our chrome dips.
Electroless nickel plating for copper requires some special treatment when compared to other metals. Since copper is non-catalytic in regards to this process, it needs a jump start of sorts. We can facilitate the process by applying an electrical current for a few seconds before beginning the soak.
We can also apply a general nickel strike in a separate tank, as the strike will promote catalytic sites.
Benefits of Electroless Nickel Plating for Copper
While its benefits are somewhat similar to our chrome plating, this process will do even more than add significant corrosion resistance and strength.
Plating copper also increases its overall electrical conductivity due to nickel also being a good conductor. Nickel will also raise the metal's operating temperature, making it more ideal for demanding environments.
What Are Common Applications for Electroless Nickel Plating on Copper?
When you increase copper's electrical conductivity, you make it an even better material for electrical components. Since nickel plating increases the metal's operating temperature, nickel-plated copper is also ideal for applications with high thermal demands.
You can integrate electroless nickel plating into wire and cable, integrated circuits and circuit boards, conductors, electric motor parts, piping and other similar items.
To learn more about plating on copper, fill out our contact form or call us at 717-764-5171 to request an estimate.