Plätermaterial

Plätermaterial, or plating material, refers to the coating metal or compound applied by a plating process to a substrate to impart properties such as corrosion resistance, wear resistance, electrical conductivity, or decorative appearance. The term covers elemental metals (for example nickel, chromium, copper, zinc, tin, gold, silver) as well as alloyed or composite coatings (for instance nickel–phosphorus, nickel–boron, tin–antimony) and, in some cases, ceramic- or polymer-enhanced coatings produced by specialized baths.

Plating is performed by electroplating or electroless plating. In electroplating, the workpiece is immersed in an electrolyte containing ions of the plating material; passing an electric current causes deposition of metal onto the surface. Electroless plating deposits metal via a chemical reducing agent without external current, enabling uniform coatings on complex shapes.

Key considerations for choosing plätermaterial include adhesion to the substrate, reliability of the coating, required thickness (often measured in micrometers or microinches), corrosion resistance, hardness, wear resistance, and appearance. Compatibility with the substrate and plating bath, diffusion and intermetallic formation, and environmental and safety concerns also influence material choice.

Common applications include automotive and aerospace components, electronics connectors and contacts, mechanical parts requiring wear resistance, and decorative finishes in jewelry and consumer goods. Quality and specification practices involve thickness control, uniformity, surface roughness, and adhesion testing; corrosion tests and electrochemical impedance are used to verify performance. Environmental regulations affect the use of cyanide-based baths and other hazardous substances, driving development of more sustainable alternatives.