Metalcoated

Metalcoated refers to objects or materials that have a surface layer of metal applied through a coating or deposition process. The metal layer is typically thin and is intended to modify surface properties such as hardness, wear resistance, electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, or appearance while preserving the bulk material.

Coating methods commonly used to create metalcoated surfaces include electroplating and electroless plating, physical vapor deposition (PVD) such as sputtering and evaporation, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and thermal spraying. Each method offers different control over coating thickness, adhesion, and microstructure. Substrates can range from metals and plastics to ceramics and wood, with the coating chosen to suit the intended use.

Common coating metals and alloys include nickel, chromium, copper, silver, gold, tin, aluminum, zinc, and their alloys. Metalcoatings are applied to improve properties such as corrosion and wear resistance (for example, chromium or nickel plating on steel), electrical conductivity (copper or silver plating on connectors), or reflectivity and aesthetics (aluminum or gold-coated surfaces).

Applications span electronics, automotive and aerospace components, architectural hardware, tooling, and cookware, as well as medical devices and decorative finishes. In electronics, metal coatings enhance contact reliability and conductivity; in industry, coatings extend service life in harsh environments.

Considerations for metalcoating include coating thickness, adhesion to the substrate, uniformity, and potential environmental and health impacts of plating chemicals. Coating choice is influenced by performance goals, substrate compatibility, cost, and regulatory compliance.