Busbars are key components commonly used in the power generation and distribution sectors, as well as several other major industries worldwide. These simple devices – usually nothing more than a strip or bar of metal – are typically found inside panel boards and switchgear, where they provide a robust and reliable method of transferring power from one section to another.
With our reliance on electrical distribution systems, not to mention many other crucial applications such as electric vehicles and generators, it has never been more important to ensure that your busbars are efficient, durable, and built to last. The best way to do so is with an electroplating solution delivered by industry experts.
Why Is Busbar Plating So Important?
Busbars are most commonly manufactured from copper or aluminium, both of which have their benefits in terms of conductivity, strength, corrosion resistance, and cost. Without the appropriate treatment and metal finishing, these components are likely to deteriorate or weaken over time, which can have disastrous implications for your business.
Common faults attributed to unprotected busbars include:
weakness in joints
poor energy efficiency
short circuits
increased maintenance costs
heat buildup
With the right busbar plating solution from the experts at Karas Plating, you can mitigate against those concerns.
Our Busbar Plating Processes
With decades of experience providing high-quality plating solutions to clients across the electrical and power generation industries, we have much to offer any customers that utilise copper or aluminium busbars. These are some of the most popular plating techniques we provide and how they can improve busbar performance:
Silver Plating for Busbars
Silver plating busbars provides several benefits, chief among them being improved conductivity. Silver is one of the most conductive metals commonly used in electroplating, making it an excellent choice for high-performance applications. In addition, silver is resistant to both corrosion and extreme heat, as well as many common chemicals. It does not oxidise or corrode, ensuring a long-lasting protective layer for your busbars.
Electroless Nickel Plating for Busbars
Electroless nickel plating (or ENP) is a cost-effective plating solution that can strengthen your busbars and protect them against corrosion and physical damage. Nickel plating busbars produces a hard-wearing outer layer that is resistant to wear as well as oxidisation and corrosion. Because the plating is applied using an immersion technique, you are assured a uniform layer of nickel that leaves no weak points on your busbar.
Tin Plating for Busbars
Another low-cost option for busbar plating is tin plating. Tin plating busbars offers fantastic protection against corrosion while also providing the high levels of conductivity that are so essential in electrical applications. In addition, tin plating improves the solderability of your busbars, which is an important consideration when using them to connect different electrical and electronic components together.
Why Choose Karas Plating?
At Karas Plating, our focus on precision, quality, and efficiency underpins every action. As the manufacturing sector’s demands evolve, we remain your steadfast partner, committed to exceptional busbar plating solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Personalised Plating Plans
No two requirements are identical. That’s why every customer is provided with a bespoke plating plan. Our goal? Ensuring that every part we handle is delivered not only to the highest standard but also on-time and within the set budget.
Decades of Expertise
Knowledge and experience serve as the backbone of our operations. Our senior management team, boasting more than 75 years of collective experience in the sector, ensures our metal finishing processes remain unrivalled in quality and efficiency.
Scalability Without Compromise
With the capability to manage high-volume busbar plating tasks, we’re adept at handling vast orders without any compromise on quality or performance. Week in, week out, we plate tens of thousands of busbars for a diverse UK clientele, always meeting those essential deadlines and exacting quality standards.
Investing in Excellence
Resting on laurels isn’t our style. We’re relentlessly committed to progress, consistently investing in our processes to elevate product performance, heighten customer satisfaction, and streamline operations. With us, you’ll always be a step ahead.
Integrated Storage & Logistics
Safeguarding your products and ensuring their timely delivery is a priority. Our integrated storage solutions provide a secure home for your plated busbars, while our comprehensive transport facilities simplify delivery logistics, minimising challenges and costs.
A Partnership for the Future
Beyond delivering top-tier plating solutions, we’re here to build a foundation for the future. Our aim is to cultivate lasting partnerships that provide both parties with the stability and assurance of continuous collaboration and growth.
A Quality Busbar Coating Process
Karas Plating has been providing busbar plating solutions to companies large and small across the UK for over 70 years. All our busbar plating processes are fully approved to meet ISO 9001 standards for Quality and ISO 14001 standards for Environmental. This ensures a high standard of electroplating on all busbar orders, plus an environmentally responsible approach to any waste material or by-products.
Your customers deserve the best and Karas Plating can help you provide that. Don’t let substandard plating compromise the performance, longevity, or quality of your busbar products. Choose a plating partner you can trust to deliver high-quality results every time. Contact us today on 0333 121 0151 for a free consultation.