Three Types of Plated Wire

We've heard about some plated wires in specialized fields like industry or aviation. But do you really know about that?

First let me show you about electroplating.

WHAT IS ELECTROPLATING?

Electroplating is the process of coating one metal or metal object with a very thin layer of another metal, typically by applying a direct electric current. This partially dissolves the metals and creates a chemical bond between them. The coating applied by electroplating is usually around 0.0002 inches thick.

By creating a chemical bond, the plating is a permanent addition to the surface of the base metal. This means that it will not naturally fall off or separate. However, plating can be worn off over months and years of use and wear.

Because this top layer is so thin, it has very specific uses. Some metals are used as a coating, because they give added protection from rust, damage or corrosion.

Then let me introduce three more familiar types of electroplated wires.

5 copper wire
Enameled Wire24
SILVER PLATED WIRE
GOLD PLATED WIRE
NICKEL PLATED WIRE
SILVER PLATED WIRE

Ⅰ. SILVER PLATED WIRE

There are normally two kinds of silver plated wires: Silver Plated Copper Wire and Silver Plated Copper Clad Aluminum Wire.

Here I will stress Silver Plated Copper Wire.

silver plated copper wire is composed of a copper core covered by a concentric silver plating. Silver plating is sometimes used on electrical wires and components, especially in high frequency RF equipment, where the high conductivity plating helps mitigate the skin effect. This material combines the advantages of copper, such as the conductivity, with the bright and shiny surface of silver.

GOLD PLATED WIRE

Ⅱ.  GOLD PLATED WIRE

Gold plating is a method of depositing a thin layer of  gold onto the surface of another metal, most often copper or silver (to make silver-gilt), by chemical or electrochemical plating. Gold plating wears out over time and can flake off, exposing the base metal underneath. It also loses its luster and fades with time. In general, plating can last for up to two years with proper care. The best way to deal with tarnished pieces is to have the piece replated when required.

Gold plated, also called electroplated, are items made with a layer of gold on the surface over another type of metal underneath. Gold plated wire is used in a number of applications including electronics, medical and aerospace.

NICKEL PLATED WIRE

Ⅲ. NICKEL PLATED WIRE

Nickel is a much harder metal than other common plating options and offers excellent resistance to high temperatures. The operating temperature range increase due to nickel plating depends on the thickness of the plating but is superior to that gained by using silver. Nickel is very resistant to harsh environments and corrosion; however, due to its hardness, soldering can be difficult and requires an activated flux. Crimp termination can be a good option for nickel plated wire, but, because it is a hard material, some adjustments to tooling may be necessary. Conductivity of nickel is relatively low and plating will increase the resistance of wire (much like the impact of tin plating).

Post time: Oct-21-2020