Have you ever been amazed by the flawless finish on your favorite gadgets? That level of polish is achieved through a process that blends science with art. I'm talking about plating. In this blog, I'll walk you through what plating really is, why it's a great choice for your next CNC machining project, the factors that influence the final finish, and how to plan for plating during the design phase. What is plating? To start off, let's clarify what plating means. It's a surface finishing technique commonly used on CNC-machined parts, where a thin layer of metal is applied after the part has been machined. There are several types of plating or coating available, such as anodizing (including Hard Anodizing and Sulfuric Acid Anodizing), chromate and non-chromate conversion coatings, chrome plating, electroplating, and electro-polishing. What are the benefits of plating? Plating offers both functional and aesthetic advantages for CNC-machined components. One key benefit is its ability to enhance the visual appeal of a surface, offering a wide range of finishes and textures. Beyond looks, plating can significantly improve corrosion resistance, protecting parts from environmental damage and increasing their lifespan. It also boosts durability, ensuring the component can handle the wear and tear required for its intended use. Why is plating a specialist process? Many people think plating is similar to precision machining, but it's actually a completely different skill set. Plating requires a unique combination of craftsmanship and technical knowledge to manage various variables and maintain control throughout the process. The final plating result depends on several factors: - The grade and source of the raw material - The shape and geometry of the component - How the part is held, supported, and fixed during plating - Where the item is placed in the processing tank - The orientation of the part during the process - Other components being processed in the same batch - The skill and experience of the operator - The industry and type of work the plating company typically handles - The cost per unit you're willing to pay The tighter the post-plating tolerance or the more perfect the finish you want, the more time, care, and cost is involved. For instance, the sleek brushed aluminum finish on Apple products isn’t accidental — it’s the result of significant investment in the production process. Building plating into your design: tips for designers If your plated or coated parts have tight tolerances (less than 50 microns total) or if the component is customer-facing and aesthetics matter, here are some key considerations: - Involve a reliable plating company early in the design phase to identify potential issues and plan for consistent results. - Clearly indicate on the drawing whether dimensions are pre- or post-plating. - Larger parts may need two dedicated blind tapped holes at each end to ensure good electrical contact and prevent arcing. - Only specify tight tolerances when necessary. - Discuss plating allowances with both the plating company and the machinist. Include these notes on the drawing. - Tighter tolerances often require separate batches to avoid mixing with other parts. - For critical tolerances, post-plating grinding or honing might be needed for consistency. - Avoid specifying threads with class fits unless absolutely necessary, as multiple tolerances interact. - If aesthetics are important, choose a plating company experienced in that type of work and discuss how the part will be processed. You may need custom fixtures. Choose a one-stop shop to benefit from expert advice on design for manufacture and finishing processes. At Penta, we partner with a network of carefully selected plating and coating suppliers. Every part undergoes our strict quality checks and full inspection before delivery, ensuring consistently high-quality finished components. If you'd like to discuss your next CNC machining project, feel free to reach out to our experienced engineers at 023 9266 8334 or email sales@pentaprecision.co.uk.

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