Due to our recent change up in services, between discontinuing black oxide and adding zinc-nickel, we figured right now would be a good time to write an overview of all of our different services we provide. Below you can find details of our services including the different additional coatings offered as well as examples of applications.
Cadmium Electroplating
Cadmium plating deposits a thin, uniform layer of cadmium metal onto a substrate (such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or brass) to provide excellent corrosion resistance, lubricity, electrical resistivity, and solder ability.
Applications: Particularly useful in the electrical, electronic, aerospace, mining, offshore, and automotive industries where they are applied to bolts and other fasteners, connectors and other components.
Coloration: As-plated cadmium provides a bright silver-white finish. Chromate options are hexavalent yellow chromate (which yields an iridescent golden-yellow color), hexavalent black chromate, or olive drab (which is a dull greenish-brown/military green color). We also provide color dyes as well, such as red, green and blue.
Common Specifications: AMS-QQ-P-416, ASTM B766, AMS 2400
Zinc Electroplating
Zinc electroplating is a widely used process that deposits a thin, protective layer of zinc onto a substrate metal (steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or brass), and is a great lower cost option compared to cadmium plating.
Applications: Zinc plating is typically used for screws and other small fasteners, light switch plates, crank handles, springs and various small parts that will be exposed in mildly corrosive conditions.
Coloration: As-plated zinc provides a dull, matte silvery-gray appearance. A trivalent clear coating provides a bright, silvery appearance with a distinct blue or iridescent tint. Trivalent yellow coating provides a lighter golden-yellow color with a strong iridescent rainbow sheen, while hexavalent yellow chromate provides a deep, heavily saturated golden-yellow color. Olive drab and trivalent or hexavalent black chromate is available. Red, green or blue color dyes as well. Chromates applied over zinc or cadmium plated deposits provide added corrosion protection and slow the rate of zinc oxidation, as well as provide an excellent base for the absorption of colored dyes.
Zinc-Nickel Electroplating
Zinc-nickel electroplating provides superior corrosion protection for parts operating in harsh environments. The resulting combination of superior corrosion protection comes from zinc and enhanced durable, high-temperature performance from nickel. With nickel content typically ranging from 12–15%, zinc-nickel coatings offer significantly greater corrosion resistance than conventional zinc plating.
Applications: Environmentally safer replacement for traditional cadmium and an upgrade over standard zinc.
Coloration: Coloration can vary from a dull blue-grey color to a shiny silver, depending on the percentage of nickel. We do offer a trivalent black coating.
Common Specifications: ASTM B841, ISO 15726, AMS2417, AMS2461, MIL-PRF-32647B, FIN-P545
Zinc Phosphate
Zinc phosphate serves as a base on steel for dry film lubricants, fluoropolymer coatings, metal flake coatings, or lubricating oils. This coating enables dry films, oil and other coatings to bond to the steel, greatly enhancing adhesion. We offer both oil or dry zinc phosphate.
Applications: Oil zinc phosphate acts as a lubricity mechanism, prevents destructive metal-to-metal galling, friction spikes, and die wear. It leaves components oily to the touch, making it ideal for fasteners, gears, mechanical assemblies, and parts stored in inventory. Dry zinc phosphate is an excellent primer for paint.
Coloration: Zinc phosphate is typically dark gray in color.
Common Specifications: TT-C-490, MIL-DTL-16232
Nickel Electroplating
A nickel layer can be decorative, provide corrosion resistance, and wear resistance while improving the appearance and conductivity of metal parts. It can add brightness, luster and appeal.
Applications: Frequently selected for automotive, motorcycle and commercial vehicle components as well as aerospace.
Coloration: nickel plating exhibits a silvery-white color
Common Specifications: AMS-QQ-N-290
Copper Electroplating
Copper is a great conductor of electricity, so using copper electroplating can improve the conductivity of base material. Copper plated components are able to benefit from additional processes that’s layered on top of the copper plating; nickel for example.
Applications: Copper is highly malleable, making it ideal for components that bend, offering excellent protection against corrosion.
Coloration: Copper plating exhibits a bright, metallic reddish-orange color
Common Specifications: MIL-C-14550, AMS 2418, ASTM B734
Aluminum Chromate
Aluminum Chromate or “Chem Film” will preserve the life of an aluminum part by inhibiting corrosion and preventing oxidation that naturally forms over untreated aluminum.
Applications: Aluminum Chromate serves as a good base for paint, adhesives and other applications that require adhesion. This coating has low electrical contact resistance making it ideal for grounding applications.
Coloration: Aluminum Chromate can be applied clear or we do have a hexavalent yellow chromate option which provides a golden iridescent color.
Common Specifications: MIL-DTL-5541
Passivation
Passivation is a process to assure removal of free iron or other less noble contaminants from the surfaces of corrosion resistant steel parts. The chemical treatment leads to a protective oxide layer that is less likely to chemically react with air and cause corrosion. Benefits include barrier against rust, and extended life of product.
Applications: Passivation is a post-fabrication best practice for newly-machined stainless steel parts and components.
Common Specifications: ASTM A380, AMS-QQ-P-35, AMS 2700, ASTM A967
Brass Bright Dip
Bright dip is used to strip haze and oxidation, providing a polished look.
Applications: Provides a good base prior to electroplating or clear-coating.
We hope that this overview of Beringer Plating services becomes a benefit for you and your team in deciding the appropriate metal finish for your application. Please feel free to reach out to us with any leading questions and let us know how else we can serve you!