Industry
Choosing the right coatings for the equipment and components needed by the industry can improve the functional properties and/or appearance of the products. The properties of metal coatings are used to produce products that meet their requirements in a cost-effective and environmentally efficient manner.
Eforit specializes in precious metal coatings and we have over 30 years of experience with them. We offer the widest selection of precious metal coatings in Finland. Thanks to our experience and professionalism, we are able to meet today’s strict quality requirements.
The table below shows how the different properties of coatings can be utilized in product design.
|
Feature |
Description |
Benefit |
|
Protection |
Provides protection against environmental conditions such as corrosion |
The life of the product is extended and the need for maintenance is reduced |
|
Aesthetics |
Gives objects a valuable and durable look |
Creates aesthetically pleasing, durable objects |
|
Friction and wear resistance |
Reducing surface friction and improving wear resistance |
Improving the performance and durability of objects |
|
Heat resistance |
For example, a nickel and gold plating together can withstand high temperatures |
Protects components at high temperatures and prolongs their service life |
|
Magnetism |
The nickel plating is used if magnetism is desired from the product |
Magnetic properties are obtained for the non-magnetic base material |
|
Conductivity |
Silver and gold platings can improve the electrical conductivity of the base material |
A cost-effective method to improve electrical conductivity |
|
Hardness |
Coatings are used to strengthen fragile materials |
Coated objects are less sensitive to shocks and knocks |
|
Reflectivity (IR, UV and visible light) |
Suitable coatings can improve the specific reflectivity of the object |
Reduces the need for mechanical polishing of the product to some extent and improves optical properties |
|
Solderability |
Surface metal required for soft soldering |
Materials that are difficult to solder, such as aluminum, can be chosen as the base material |
|
Weight |
The material solution can affect the weight of the final product |
A lighter substrate can be selected as the base material and still achieve the properties of material with a higher mass |
|
Machinability |
Certain materials are difficult/expensive to work with |
The material which is easier to machine can be chosen and then plate afterwards. |