The process in which a layer of copper is deposited on the item to be plated by using an electric current. Professional copper electroplating requires specialized chemicals and equipment to make a high-quality coat and better results.
For plating applications, copper is commonly used as an underplating to enhance adhesion of deposits, improve electrical properties, impair migration of alloying elements into the final plated deposit, or to improve corrosion resistance of the overall deposit. As a final deposit, copper plating services are used for enhancing the brazing, thermal or electrical conductivity of substrate materials, as a high temperature lubricant, as a heat treatment stop-off, or for jacketing of projectiles. Copper can be plated matte to bright and with a wide range of deposit hardness and ductility.
There are three basic types of processes commercially available based upon the complexing system utilized:
1. alkaline-(several modifications of cyanide and non-cyanide) complexed bath
2. acid-(sulfate and fluoroborate) complexed bath
3. mildly alkaline-(pyro phosphate) complexed bath
Common Industries using Copper Plating:
- Hospitality
- Interior Design
- Industrials