What is Copper Plating:
Copper plating is a type of electro-chemical process, in which a layer of copper is applied on the metallic surface through the use of electric current.
Copper Plating Main Uses:
Decorative
Copper plating can be used as a decorative finish because of its attractive reddish/brown appearance.
Corrosion Resistance
Copper Plating can be used to increase the corrosion resistance on car, motorcycle and marine parts where it is used as a base layer. Copper Plating provides a smooth uniform finish under nickel plating and helps with the adhesion of other finishes.
Where copper is used to achieve high corrosion protection i.e. Service Condition 4, Merridale apply a layer of Cyanide Copper plating followed by a layer of Acid Copper plating. The components are then polished to remove all imperfections before adding duplex nickel and chrome plating.
Copper Strike
When corrosion protection isn’t a major requirement, sometimes a thin layer of Copper i.e. Copper Strike can be applied to a component prior to nickel and chrome plating.
Non-ferrous metals for example brass, bronze and nickel silver may be directly plated in acid copper for plating.
Copper Benefits:
Refurbishment
Copper Plating can be used to build up corroded parts, particularly useful when refurbishing old car parts.
Flexible
Copper is a soft metal and therefore has the advantage of being used on parts that need slight flexibility.
Antimicrobial properties
The properties of copper have natural ability to destroy/inactivate microbes and a wide range of microorganisms. Therefore Copper Plating is particularly useful in the healthcare industry.