Gold Plating Provides Exceptional Conductivity and Corrosion Resistance

 

Saras Process use numerous different plating applications in many varied Industrial and Engineering businesses, with Gold plating being one of our specialist processes.

Gold plating describes the procedure of electro-chemically applying a thin layer of gold onto a metal product. During the process, positively charged gold ions are drawn through a gold plating solution, to cause them to adhere to a negatively charged item of metal.

Applications

Gold plating is utilised in various types of industry such as electronics, aerospace telecommunications and medical activities. Gold plating offers excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, is an outstanding reflector of infrared radiation and offers remarkable solder ability.

In addition, gold is a superior metal that does not chemically react under normal conditions, or oxidize. As a result of this, gold plating is a first rate choice for many engineering requirements, where corrosion resistance, solder ability and electrical conductivity (at low voltages) are requirements of design.

Components

Manufacturers and engineers tend to use gold plating due to its incomparable resistance to corrosion. Gold plating also offers low electrical resistance and contact, making it perfect for electronic applications. Many electronic components, such as circuit boards and connectors are gold plated to provide excellent solder ability and conductivity.

Disadvantages

Despite its outstanding qualities, plating with gold is expensive. With the worldwide rising price of gold, the electronics industry, has for some time, been researching for an alternative that is still compatible with the elements of the material, while bypassing its limitations.

Gold still remains in first place for lack of a more suitable alternative in the electronics industry, although silver is widely used and copper as a much cheaper alternative.

To put our expertise to work for you, contact Saras Process , by telephone 01706 845960 or by email at sales@sarasprocess.co.uk