Surface Finishes

Electroplating Services

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Electroplating

Electroplating is effectively the reverse of electropolishing. Rather than getting rid of a layer of steel to accomplish a finished surface, electroplating deposits an added external layer, raising a component’s thickness. Suitable with cadmium, chrome, copper, gold, nickel, silver, and tin, electroplating creates smooth components that experience less wear and tear over time thanks to their added protection from corrosion, tainting, shock, and warmth. Electroplating can increase adhesion between the base material and its additional outer coating, and, depending on the type of metal used, can make your part magnetic or conductive.

Applicable MaterialsOptions
Steel, AluminumGold, Silver, Zinc, Nickle, Copper,Chrome

Electroplating

Electroplating-Gold

Electroplating-Silver

Electroplating-Zinc

Electroplating Process

Electroplating deposits an additional outer layer, increasing a part’s thickness.

Electroplating Design Consideration

FAQs

Turning often results in a smoother surface due to the continuous single-point cutting action and more controlled tool geometry. Milling, with its multi-point cutting tools and complex tool paths, can yield a rougher surface finish, but it is highly dependent on the specific machining parameters, tool quality, and setup. Proper tool selection and optimization of cutting parameters can help improve the surface finish in milling operations.

Specifying a surface finish “as machined” is important because it defines the quality and texture of the workpiece’s surface directly after CNC machining. This helps set expectations for the surface finish without any additional post-processing, which can be crucial for parts with strict functional or aesthetic requirements.

Several factors can influence the surface finish as machined, including the cutting tool’s sharpness, the material being machined, the CNC machine’s accuracy and rigidity, feed rates, and cutting speeds. Operator skill and the choice of machining parameters play a crucial role in achieving the desired surface finish.

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