Silver has always been a metal favored through the century for its monetary and decorative functions. Over the centuries, it has found favor among the rich and the mass producers for several practical reasons. The properties imbued through a silver plating service, are guarantees the procedure will continue to be favored.
Silver Plating Applications
Silver plating is common among many companies that base their production on the aerospace, electronics, medical equipment, the military, oil and gas or engineering fields. It is a necessity where high electrical and thermal conductivity, good solderability and good corrosion resistance are required. Although once considered solely for decorative pieces e.g. silverware and jewelry, it now is a common treatment for such things as:
* Anti-galling applications
* Bearing Surfaces
* Certain medical devices
* Chemical storage tanks
* Electrical Components
* Electrical contacts
* Electrical connectors
* Gaskets
* Shims
* Storage Tanks
* Telecommunications
Yet, silver electroplating has its cautions and potential problems. Care needs to be taken to avoid any errors. When a silver plating service is employed, care must be taken in selecting the under-plate.
Under-plate: Metal and Alloy Recommendations
Depending upon the substrate, silver may or may not require an under-plate. This is particularly true when the substrate is any of the following:
* Steel
* Zinc
* zinc-based alloys
* Copper
* Copper alloy
In these instances, a nickel under-lay must be applied before the silver layer. In the case of steel or zinc, copper is also an option. Failure to recognize this will result in adverse effects to the component if placed in an environment where temperature will reach more than 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Further Issues and Protective Measures
Silver falls prey to tarnish. It also requires improved corrosion protection. It is possible to increase the resistance of silver plating to tarnish by employing protective measures. Specific painting or powder coatings will improve its resistance to tarnishing.
In much the same way, it is possible to protect a silver plated component from corrosion. The method is simple. During the fabrication process, the operator only needs to apply a nickel undercoating.
Silver Plating Service
Instead of the more expensive gold, some industries will use silver. As the less expensive substitute, silver finds application in the automotive, electronics and telecom industries. With its superior properties of electrical and thermal conductivity and its aesthetically pleasing appearance, it is easy to understand why silver plating service with the proper precautions, is fast finding its own function in the market.
