Platinum is one of a group of six metals. These are the noble and precious metals of iridium, osmium, platinum, palladium, rhodium and ruthenium. They are all rather scarce and, therefore, more expensive than many other metals including gold. Platinum plating is preferred for several reasons. Companies consider the expense to be worth it when they receive the final results.
Characteristics of Platinum
Platinum is often compared to gold. Unlike gold, platinum is stronger structurally. As a result, platinum plating of a basis metal results in a more durable final product than the same base coated with gold. Platinum is described favorably over gold and other metals in many ways. It is characterized as:
* Being true white in color
* Enjoying a high density – certainly higher than gold
* Having a high melting point – again in comparison with gold
* Exhibiting a resistance to corrosion
* Possessing excellent hardness – even higher than silver
* Being highly conductive – making it excellent as an anode
* Chemically stable
* Being naturally hypoallergenic
* Having a bright finish
It is therefore hardly a surprise that, up until the breaking out of World War II, it was a popular material for engagement and wedding bands or rings. During the War, it was restricted to military use. Although it never regained its popularity – having been replaced with White Gold, it has remained a constant component for some industries. They require platinum plating to ensure the durability, safety and longevity of their products. This is particularly true of any object that will be utilized or placed in an extreme climate.
Uses for Platinum Plating
Platinum has once again become a popular choice for jewelry. Platinum plating however, is frequently applied in many other industries to the surface of a substrate that is highly resistant to corrosion. Platinum is considered invaluable in the electroplating of certain electronic products. As a result, Platinum plating is requested by those who manufacture parts or products in the electronic industry. They are found as part of industries involved in specialized engineering applications such as:
* Electronic components
* Semiconductor packaging,
* Medical catheters
* Connectors for surgical equipment
Platinum plating also plays a role in decorative electroplating, particularly in Europe. It is used in the pre-plating process for some items, replacing nickel under a gold finish. As noted above, it is still used to create wedding and engagement bands as well as other items of jewelry.
Platinum Plating
Although platinum remains an expensive metal, it will continue to be used in electroplating. As the electronics industry and technology continue to broaden the use of platinum, metal plating services will provide the service. Platinum will continue to be pressed into service and engineers will continue to exploit the properties and characteristics that make platinum plating highly desirable.
Precious metals have always formed an integral part of the professional services at PEP General Metal Finishing. Since 1972, our engineers and technicians have utilized precious, non-precious and semi-precious metals as part of their high-quality electroplating. Gold, silver and even and Platinum Plating have formed a portion of our excellent services. Our precise standards ensure that the product or component you supply meet the specifications required by the ASTM or military (MIL-STD). To learn more about our company and how we can help you with your electroplating or electropolishing demands, visit website.
