Copper Busbar Plating
Busbar systems have several concerns and design constraints which make plating necessary. Among these issues include:
- Short-circuits
- Weakness at joints
- Heat build up
- Energy efficiency
- Long-term maintenance
What Are The Advantages of Copper Busbar Plating?
Copper is a common choice for busbars because of its conductive and mechanical properties. Though copper is corrosion resistant it will still oxidize given enough time. Copper's oxidation layer while not as conductive still maintains some conductivity. As copper oxidizes it will slowly become less conductive and eventually begin to weaken, flake and fall apart.
Plating bus bars can help prevent corrosion. This allows the busbar to maintain a cleaner contact surface. Accurate Precision Plating offers:
- Tin Plating for Copper Busbars
- Nickel Plating for Copper Busbars
- Silver Plating for Copper Busbars
At APP, we offer our clients a superior product due to our attention to detail and commitment to quality, supported by the highest level of customer service. Our staff works with each client to ensure that each project is completed to your exact specifications. The tolerances we provide are:
- Silver plating to 0.0001”-0.010”
- Electroless nickel plating to +/- .00005" (50 micro inches)
We offer both copper rack plating and copper barrel plating. Accurate Precision Plating offers close tolerances, fast turnaround and 24 hour a day runtime.
Copper Busbar Plating Applications
Busbars are used for power distribution within industrial processes or buildings. They can be large enough to distribute power between multiple floors, or small enough to fit in a distribution panel. Busbars allow simpler and more flexible distribution of power. Busbars can be open or enclosed. For longer systems or ones that need adjustments joints can be used to extend length or adapt the configuration. This allows factories, data centers hospitals to move machinery without calling an electrician.
Contact Us For Copper Busbar Plating
Accurate Precision Plating is here to adapt to the needs of our customers. Please contact us for any of your plating needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Copper Busbar Plating
Should I choose tin, nickel, or silver plating for my busbars?
It depends on the operating environment. Tin plating is the most economical option and provides good corrosion resistance with excellent solderability. Nickel plating offers higher hardness and better performance at elevated temperatures.Silver plating delivers the highest electrical conductivity and is specified when minimizing contact resistance is the priority.
Can busbars be plated on select surfaces only?
Yes. When only contact areas or joint faces need plating, custom masking is used to protect surfaces that must remain unplated. This reduces material cost and keeps mounting dimensions unaffected.
How thick is a typical busbar plating deposit?
Thickness varies by finish and specification. Silver plating on busbars is commonly held between 0.0001" and 0.010", while electroless nickel plating is controlled to within 0.00005" (50 micro inches). Your print or spec will define the required range.
What size busbars can Accurate Precision Plating handle?
We plate busbars ranging from small distribution panel components to larger power distribution bars usingrack plating. Part size, geometry, and volume determine the fixturing approach. Contact us with your dimensions and we can confirm fit for our tanks.
Can plated busbars be bent or formed after plating?
It depends on the finish. Tin and silver deposits are soft and ductile enough to withstand moderate forming without cracking. Nickel deposits are harder and more prone to cracking under deformation, so busbars that require post-plate bending should be plated with a finish that accommodates it.
Contact Accurate Precision Plating
click to request a quote or call us at 866.598.8063