Electrolytic Plating

ASTM B689, AMS-QQ-N-290

Electrolytic Plating MethodsAccurate Precision Plating (APP) specializes in high quality, precision electrolytic plating services for industrial applications. A leading metal finishing services company, 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 has the expertise to finish your metal part to your exact specifications and to the tightest tolerances. You can be assured your electrolytic plating project will be completed right the first time and your part delivered to you production-ready.

Electrolytic Coating Benefits

APP offers precision electrolytic plating services for conductor parts, wires, tubing, process equipment and wear parts. Electrolytic plating bonds the coating to the metal part by the use of electrically-charged coatings. The charged coatings are chemically bonded to the part, and the process may change some of the characteristics of the metal in the base part. Electrolytic coatings are used to increase the wear, abrasion and corrosion resistance of the part, and can also improve the aesthetic qualities of the part. Electrolytic coatings can be used for complex shapes and to coat interior and exterior surfaces, but the coatings are not as uniform as with electroless nickel plating.

Electrolytic Plating Capabilities

  • Barrel plating
  • Rack plating
  • Vibratory plating
  • Precise plating thickness to exact tolerances of +/- .0001” (100 micro inches)
  • Plating for a range of metals, including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, nickel-silver and copper alloys, Inconel® and Monel®
  • Custom masking services
  • Fast turnaround, with most products delivered within 3-5 days. We offer 24-48 hour turnaround availability.
  • Quantities from short run through full production runs

Our extensive quality control measures throughout production include non-destructive testing in accordance with ASTM B 568 to measure the thickness of the coating. Using Fischerscope X-Ray equipment, we can measure the thickness of the foil with a margin of error less than 5%. We offer 100% testing, if needed for your parts. We can manufacture to meet industry and regulatory standards, including ASTM B488, AMS 2422 and MIL-G-45204. All our processes are certified to ISO 9001:2015 and are RoHS and ELV compliant.

At APP, we are committed to meeting or exceeding your expectations for your electrolytic plating application through efficient, effective processes, high quality control and superior customer service. Call today to see how we can solve your plating challenges.

 

How Electrolytic Plating Works

Electrolytic plating is an electrochemical process that uses a controlled electrical current to deposit a metal coating onto a part's surface. The part being plated is submerged in a plating bath along with a source metal, and an electrical current is passed through the solution. This current causes metal ions in the bath to migrate toward the part and bond to its surface, building up a consistent electrolytic coating layer by layer.

Because the thickness and consistency of the deposit are controlled by the strength and duration of the electrical current, this method allows for precise control over coating buildup, an important factor for parts that require exact dimensional tolerances. This level of control is part of why APP offers close tolerance plating as one of its core capabilities. The result is a durable, well-adhered electrolytic coating suited to a wide range of base metals and part geometries, and for parts that need only specific areas coated, APP also offers custom masking services to protect surfaces that shouldn't be plated.

Industries That Rely on Electrolytic Plating Services

APP's electrolytic plating services support a broad range of industries that depend on reliable, wear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant components. Manufacturers in the oil and gas, aerospace, and medical sectors frequently turn to electrolytic plating to protect conductor parts, wires, tubing, and process equipment that operate in demanding conditions.

As a trusted electrolytic plating company, APP works with customers across these industries to finish parts to exact specifications, whether the application calls for improved wear resistance, added corrosion protection, or enhanced surface appearance. For applications where a different deposition method may be a better fit, our electroless nickel plating services offer an alternative with more uniform coverage on complex geometries. From aerospace components to heavy industrial machinery, our electrolytic plating company has the experience to support parts that need to perform reliably in harsh operating environments.

 

Electrolytic Plating: Frequently Asked Questions

How is electrolytic plating different from electroless plating?

Electrolytic plating uses an electrical current to deposit the coating, while electroless plating relies on a chemical reaction without electricity. The two processes are often chosen for different part geometries and coating uniformity requirements, and APP can help determine which is the better fit for your application.

Can electrolytic plating be masked to protect certain areas of a part?

Yes. APP offers custom masking services for electrolytic plating projects, allowing specific areas of a part to be selectively protected from the coating process when only certain surfaces need to be plated.

How do I get a quote for electrolytic plating services?

You can contact APP directly to discuss your part specifications and request a quote for electrolytic plating services, or reach out with any questions about which plating process is right for your application.

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Accurate Precision Plating
click to request a quote or call us at 866.598.8063