Copper Plating

Copper is one of the few coloured metals. It is fairly soft and ductile. It has good thermal and electrical characteristics. Heat readily oxidises copper and polished surfaces are easily tarnished by the ordinary atmosphere that contains sulphur compounds and acids.

Benefits

• Its colour gives it excellent decorative appeal and can be polished to produce a brilliant finish.
• Can be easily scratch-brushed and bright dipped but lacquers need to be applied to preserve the finish.
• Can be used as an undercoat before nickel and chrome plating to improve corrosion resistance.
• Can be used as a lubricant on wire before drawing.
• Can provide an anti-fret coating on bearings and housings.
• Used as a ‘stop off material ’ to prevent carburisation where it isn’t required  when case hardening components.