Plated

Plated refers to an object that has been coated with a thin layer of metal or another material by a deposition process. The intent can be decorative, to improve corrosion resistance, or to alter surface properties such as hardness or conductivity. Plating thickness generally ranges from fractions of a micrometer for purely cosmetic work to tens of micrometers for functional coatings.

Common plating methods include electroplating, electroless plating, and hot-dip processes. Electroplating uses an electric current to reduce dissolved metal ions onto a conductive substrate, forming a uniform metallic layer. Electroless plating deposits metal through a chemical reduction reaction without external current, allowing coating of complex shapes. Hot-dip galvanizing submerges the workpiece in molten zinc for a metallurgical bond, often used for steel to improve corrosion resistance. Plating on plastics typically requires a conductive underlayer or surface pretreatment to enable deposition.

Materials frequently used as plating metals or coatings include nickel, chromium, copper, tin, and zinc for protection and conductivity; gold and silver for jewelry and electronics; and resistant coatings such as titanium nitride for wear. Rhodium and palladium are used in specialized applications. Plating can be decorative (e.g., chrome- or gold-plated finishes) or functional (e.g., conductive copper plating on printed circuit boards).

Quality considerations include layer adhesion, uniformity, and absence of defects such as pinholes or blisters. Thickness control, surface prep, and bath chemistry are critical. Environmental and safety concerns have driven the development of alternative and more eco-friendly plating baths, as well as stricter regulations on waste disposal and restricted substances.

Plated items span consumer goods, automotive components, electronics, hardware, and industrial equipment, illustrating how a thin surface layer can alter performance and appearance without changing the base material.