Stainless steel is a metal alloy primarily composed of iron that exhibits remarkable resistance to rust and corrosion. It belongs to the steel family, which is further classified into four significant categories: carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, and stainless steel. The defining feature of stainless steel is its 10.5% chromium content, along with 1.2% carbon and other trace elements.
The 10.5% chromium reacts with oxygen to form a thin layer of chromium oxide on the surface of the steel. This layer is invisible and protects the underlying steel from rust and corrosion. This makes stainless steel a strong metal that requires very little maintenance. It is widely used in various industries due to its exceptional durability, strength, and corrosion-resistant properties.
Although stainless steel is innately resistant to corrosion, there are several reasons why you might consider plating it based on your intended application and usage.
Benefits of plating stainless steel
Stainless steel can be plated with a variety of finishes, from copper to silver. This can certainly enhance the material’s aesthetic appeal. In our experience, clients often request plating for additional properties that are not inherent to the material itself.
- To get different cosmetic finishes
- Using nickel plating to get enhanced conductivity.
- A coating of nickel prior to full plating gives improved adhesion.
- Forming stronger solder joints through improved solderability
- Hardening of steel components
- Although the primary purpose of plating stainless steel is not for protection, plating can add an extra layer of protection for various environments such as chemical exposure, high temperatures, water, outdoors, and grease.
The plating process
To ensure a high-quality finish, additional steps should be taken before plating the material. Proper cleaning and surface preparation are essential to allow the substrate to bond with the layer. Our dedicated metal preparation area offers a range of blasting and cleaning processes to ensure that our customers receive a quality product.
Stainless Steel Applications
Stainless steel is a versatile material that finds application in various industries and products.
- Automotive parts
- Medical and surgical instruments
- Architecture and construction
- Cookware and kitchenware
- Oil and gas
Plating on Carbon Steel
Customers can opt for carbon steel, a durable material with low tensile strength. It can be plated using electroless methods, which are often more cost-effective.
Electroplating processes for stainless steel
Nickel Plating
It improves corrosion resistance, conductivity and radiation resistance. Nickel electroplating provides a smooth and even surface and can be deposited to precise thicknesses. Because of its durability and versatility, nickel plating is common in the automotive and oil and gas sectors, as well as in demanding engineering environments. Nickel is also widely used as a base layer for other finishes on stainless steel.
Silver Plating
Silver plating on stainless steel provides excellent thermal and electrical conductivity as well as anti-galling properties. Silver is commonly specified in electrical and electronic applications where high performance is critical. It’s also used in medical applications to provide cleanliness, safety, durability, and advanced functionality that base stainless steel alone may not offer.
Gold Plating
Gold-plated stainless steel is commonly used in electronics, jewellery, and high-corrosion environments. While it has aesthetic appeal, its primary practical application is in the electronics industry. Due to its excellent conductivity, gold is often applied to connectors, switches, contacts, and other components.
Copper Plating
The copper plating process for stainless steel is primarily valued for its excellent conductive properties and is commonly used in printed circuits and semiconductors. Additionally, copper may serve as an intermediate layer for further plating or as a finishing layer in various industries.
Zinc Plating
Zinc plating is primarily chosen for its corrosion-resistant properties. While more commonly applied to carbon steels, it can also be used on stainless steel in specific cases such as fasteners and threaded parts where sacrificial protection is required.
Tin Plating
Tin plating provides excellent corrosion resistance, ductility, and solderability, making it a highly versatile option. It is widely used in the electronics industry to improve solderability on stainless steel components. Tin is also frequently specified for threaded parts in the automotive sector, where its properties support reliable torque settings.