Acid Copper Plating
Acid Copper Plating Services by Shree Kamakshi Industries
Acid Copper Plating is an electroplating process using an acidic copper sulfate solution. This technique deposits a layer of pure copper onto the base metal (like steel, aluminum, or zinc alloys). Copper is often used not as the final finish, but as a crucial undercoat or strike layer to prepare the component for subsequent plating steps, such as Nickel or Gold. It's highly valued for its excellent electrical conductivity and exceptional ductility (flexibility)
Key Benefits
Excellent Electrical Conductivity: Copper has high electrical conductivity, making it vital for electronic and power transmission components.
Leveling and Smoothing: The soft copper layer has superior leveling properties, meaning it fills in minor scratches, pores, and surface defects from the base metal. This ensures the component has a smooth surface before the final plating (like Nickel or Chrome) is applied.
Superior Adhesion Promoter: Copper acts as an ideal "tie coat" or intermediary layer, promoting strong adhesion between the base metal (especially difficult ones like zinc die-castings) and the final plating layer.
Corrosion Protection: It provides a protective barrier against corrosive elements, preventing them from reaching and attacking the base metal.
Masking and Heat Treatment: Copper can be used as a stop-off (or mask) for selective heat treatment or nitriding processes.
Applications
Decorative & Automotive: Used beneath Nickel and Chrome finishes on accessories and trim to provide a deep, level shine and prevent corrosion.
Electronics: Plating onto busbars, contacts, and PCBs for enhanced conductivity.
Machinery & Hydraulics: Used as an underlayer on steel parts before Nickel or Tin plating for improved durability and corrosion resistance.
Complex Substrates: Essential for plating on zinc die-cast parts where direct application of nickel is difficult.
Why Choose Us?
Our expertise in the entire plating cycle ensures your components get the best copper foundation:
Integrated Preparation Control: We recognize copper plating relies entirely on a clean surface. Our end-to-end process ensures the component moves directly from Soapwash, Ultrasonic cleaning, and Etching to the copper bath, guaranteeing maximum leveling action and adhesion.
Ductility Focus: We carefully control the chemical composition of the copper bath to ensure the deposited layer is highly ductile—a non-negotiable trait for parts that will be crimped, bent, or subject to thermal stress.
Multi-Layer Expertise: As specialists in Nickel, Tin, and Zinc, we understand precisely how the copper underlayer must perform to ensure the success of your final finish.
Reliable Partnership: Since 2012, we have provided consistent, technically correct finishing solutions, ensuring your parts function flawlessly.