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What is Mechanical Plating? Uses and Process

Mechanical Plating

Mechanical Plating is a method of coating metal surfaces with a thin layer of metal. It is an electro less process that does not require an electrical current and is used in industrial applications such as aerospace, automotive, and medical industries. This blog post will discuss the uses of mechanical Plating, the process involved, and why it’s advantageous for certain industries.

What is Mechanical Plating?

Mechanical Plating is a cold-forming process used to dramatically improve the tracking ability and durability of components. This process, sometimes referred to as brush plating or micro-plating, works by using brushes to fuse diamond particles into the surface of the component, creating a surface with enhanced hardness and wear characteristics. In most instances, mechanical Plating is used on hardened steel dies, forming tools and press moulds. The depth of penetration and thickness of the layer applied can be adjusted to meet exact requirements. Due to its repeatability, uniform coverage and abrasion resistance properties, mechanical Plating proves invaluable when consistently high-quality parts are needed at a reasonable cost.

Mechanical Plating Uses

Mechanical Plating has a wide range of applications across different industries. It is often used in high-precision parts manufacturing due to its ability to provide superior corrosion resistance and wear protection even on complex shapes and hard-to-reach areas. In the aerospace industry, mechanical Plating is used to coat components such as turbine blades, airframes, landing gear components, and more. In the automotive industry, it is often used for engine components such as pistons and valve stems, brake systems parts, gears, bushings and bearings. The medical industry also relies on mechanical Plating for devices such as implantable orthopaedic devices and surgical instruments.

Mechanical Plating Process

The process of mechanical Plating involves several steps which need to be completed in order for the desired results to be achieved. The first step involves cleaning the surface with a special solution that removes dirt, grease or any other contaminants from the surface before it can be coated with metal. The next step involves pre-treating the surface so that it can better adhere to the metal coating. This step can involve chemical etching or sandblasting, depending on what type of material needs to be coated. The third step involves applying a metal coating which can either be done manually or mechanically depending on what type of material needs to be coated and what level of precision is required. After this step is complete, the fourth step involves post-treatment, which usually involves heat treating or baking in order to increase the strength of the bond between the metal coating and substrate material. Finally, after all these steps have been completed successfully, it’s time for inspection, where any defects are identified and repaired before being shipped off for use in its intended application.

  • The process of mechanical Plating is a surface finishing technique that can be used to improve the wear resistance, corrosion resistance, or lubricity of a metal part.
  • The process involves depositing a thin layer of metal onto the part’s surface using a process known as cold spraying.
  • Cold spraying is a process in which metal particles are accelerated to high speeds and then sprayed onto the surface of the part.
  • The metal particles adhere to the surface of the part and form a thin layer of metal.
  • The thickness of the deposited metal layer can be controlled by adjusting the speed at which the particles are accelerated, the type of metal being used, and the duration of the spray process.

Conclusion:

Mechanical Plating offers many advantages over traditional methods like galvanizing or powder coating due to its ability to achieve uniform results even on complex shapes or hard-to-reach areas. It provides superior corrosion resistance and wear performance, making it ideal for use in high-precision parts manufacturing across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing. By understanding how mechanical Plating works as well as its uses, you can benefit from its many advantages when it comes time for your product design projects! For those looking into this technology further, Metric Marketing provides consulting services that offer guidance tailored specifically towards your business’s unique needs!

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