Platers

Platers are technicians who perform plating, a group of metal finishing processes that deposit a thin layer of metal onto a substrate. The goal is to improve appearance, corrosion resistance, hardness, wear resistance, or electrical properties. Platers work in factories, metal finishing shops, automotive and electronics industries, jewelry, and research labs.

Most common method is electroplating, where the object to be plated (the substrate) serves as an electrode in an electrolytic bath containing dissolved metal ions. An external power source drives metal ions onto the substrate. Electroless plating uses a chemical reducing agent to deposit metal without external current, often for uniform coatings on complex shapes. Platers select plating metals such as nickel, chromium, copper, tin, zinc, gold, silver, or palladium, sometimes alloy coatings or multilayer systems.

Before plating, surfaces are cleaned, degreased, and activated. Masking may be used to protect areas. The bath chemistry, temperature, electrolyte composition, and current density determine coating thickness and properties. After deposition, parts are rinsed, dried, and inspected for adhesion, thickness, porosity, and surface finish.

Plating involves hazardous chemicals, including cyanide and hexavalent chromium in some baths, requiring proper handling, ventilation, waste treatment, and regulatory compliance. Environmental and occupational safety are important aspects of plating operations. Quality control standards and certifications guide processes in many industries.