Gold electroplating has existed for over a century. Together with silver plating, it has provided various common base metals with the ability to standout. Base metals, when coated with gold, are more highly treasured. In the past, gold plated items allowed those who could not afford solid gold jewelry, plateware or artistic works, to possess them, displaying them on their person or in their home. Many gold plated items became heirlooms to be passed down.
Yet, gold electroplating is not simply a “pretty surfacing.” With the technological explosion and advances in specific areas, gold has become sought out for other reasons. The properties that gold imbues to the substrate metal during the plating process make it a popular choice for several industries.
Gold Electroplating: An Industrial Choice
As noted above, gold has always been a favorite choice of the jewelry and plateware companies. Manufacturers of certain artwork also use gold. However, these are not the sole market for the gold electroplating services of companies such as Professional Plating. Various industries turn to gold as the solution to providing their components with specific qualities without straining a tight budget. Among the most common companies or industries that currently request or require gold electroplating are the following:
- Aerospace: Components that require improved resistance to corrosion
- Electronics: Circuit boards and connectors are the most common use for gold electroplating services
- Medical product producers: Companies have found gold useful in the plating of medical lasers
- Telecommunications: In parts that need high corrosion resistance as well as excellent conductivity
The choices of gold deposits range in both color and style. Gold electroplating results can range anywhere from orange to yellow. A company may also request the appearance to range from matte (dull) to bright. In all cases, specifications are important.
Specifications for Gold Electroplating
Two major gold electroplating specifications exist. These are MIL-G-45204 and ASTM B 488. According to the professionals at ProPlate, these define three specific kinds of gold deposits resulting from the plating process. They are Types I, II, and III. While this indicates the purity of the gold surfacing, with Type III being considered the purest, the Knoop hardness is indicated by grades A, B, C and D. In the electronics industry, when semiconductor components require wire bonding during the fabrication process, Type III gold is employed. Where hardness is needed, e.g. contacts, connectors, companies such as ProPlate, use Type 1or Type II gold deposits.
Gold Electroplating
Gold is a metal that has its appeal. While for some, the appearance counts, others prefer to use it for the properties it imbues. Industries such as those involved with the aerospace, telecommunications and electronics manufacturing, recognize gold as advantageous for what it can do. They all turn to reputable plating companies such as ProPlate for the gold electroplating services that will help them remain competitive in a global marketplace.
It does not matter whether you are in need of copper, silver or gold electroplating, take the time to contact the experts at Professional Plating. They have been there for their clients since 1983. Their knowledge, skill and expertise in the field of industrial metal electroplating have provided them with the experience and capability to provide their clients with the solutions they need.
