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Some of the most popular services we offer here at Qualitetch are part and parcel of creating high quality parts and components. We use a range of methods such as chemical etching, metal stamping, and laser cutting. On top of these vital services we also offer the process of plating to ensure that our clients get the very best products possible.

So why do we do this? The reasons behind plating are numerous. While many items of jewellery and personalised gifts use plating for aesthetic and decorative reasons, many of the parts that we produce, are plated for functionality.

Protection from corrosion, providing strength, improving conductivity and reducing friction are all important reasons why plating and finishing are necessary. This is especially important as many parts manufactured by us are designed for use in aerospace and automotive industries, as well as those required for renewable energy and in general electronics.

As plating and finishing are required for different purposes, it goes without saying that we utilise a variety of materials suitable for each part and their intended role. We work with a range of high quality metals with different qualities to ensure this.

Go for Gold

Gold is one of the most common metals for plating. Gold plating is primarily used for circuit boards and other electronic parts, but it is also used in conjunction with other metals to utilise their benefits. Gold is often applied using the electrochemical plating process.

Specialise in Silver

Like gold, silver is often for aesthetic purposes in jewellery, however, it also offers plenty of other benefits through plating such as reducing the risk of corrosion, improving solder-ability, changing the conductivity of a part, or to strengthen components. Silver plating can be used as a liquid or a vapour using heat application.

Copper and Tin Plating

Copper is used to plate a wide variety of materials and has to be bonded to the base metal using a chemical bath using acid, alkaline or mild alkaline depending on the base material. Copper is often combined with other substances to improve the performance and overall appearance of the product.

Tin plating or ”˜tinning’ as it traditionally known is the process of adding a layer of tin to sheet metals to prevent rust and corrosion. This is mostly used for the creation of tin cans, but is also used for cheap saucepans for use in the home.

There are two methods of tin plating: hot dipping which uses heat to bond the metals, and electroplating which uses chemicals and an electric current to bond the two materials together.

There are many other metals that we use for plating and finishing; information on these metals can be found here.

For more information on our entire range of services and processes provided, please visit our website for an overview or call us to discuss your requirements.