SERVICES
Silver Plating
The silver plating experts in Perth
Why Silver Plate?
Pure Silver (99.9%) is used for a variety of applications – from coating items used in the electrical industry through to bridal tiaras. Plating with silver can enhance electrical conductivity and signal transmission, making it a highly-effective process for the manufacturing of electronics and electrical components. It is a very cost effective and efficient conductivity solution.
Silver plating and lacquer protects against premature tarnishing and can reduce the likelihood of scratching of decorative pieces. Besides adding to attractiveness, silver plating also increases the value of restored silver antiques. To prevent premature tarnishing, we recommend that a lacquer be applied to antiques after plating.
What is Silver Electroplating?
In plain speak, silver electroplating produces a thin coat of silver on the surfaces of cheaper metals enhancing appearance and giving the base metal the chemical attributes of silver.
What is the Process of Silver Plating?
The process of silver plating involves submerging the metal to be coated (substrate) into a bath of silver ions (chemically charged atoms). The ions deposit onto the substrate coating it in silver. Silver plating yields a micro bright soft white deposit to any practical thickness.
Silver Properties
Silver has one of the highest electrical conductivity of any element and the highest thermal conductivity of any metal. Most silver is produced as a by-product of copper, gold, lead and zinc refining. Besides being a valuable currency and attractive for jewellery, it is also highly valued for many electronic and industrial purposes.
Silver Plating in Industry
Engines
When steel ball bearings are electroplated with silver, they become stronger than any other type of bearing. Silver increases performance by acting as a lubricant, reducing friction between the bearing and its housing. Silver is also resistant to high temperatures. These qualities make silver ball bearings the safest and best choice for engines that function continuously at high temperatures, such as jet or helicopter engines.
Electronic
Silver’s strong conductivity makes it a good choice for electrical switchboard components and transformers. It is also applicable for military uses such communication transmissions to satellite.