Processes

We have both rack and barrel capabilities, including vibratory barrel technology in our precious metal department line. Process control is supervised by our wet chem lab. We utilize scheduled sampling and analysis of the aqueous processes, along with Hull cell testing and SPC data processing. All our plating processes are proprietary, giving us the benefit of our vendors´expertise.

Zinc Nickel Process

PLATING PROCESS	CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS
ZINC-NICKEL	AMS-2417 TYPE 1 & 2
BRIGHT TIN		12 FT. TANK
BRIGHT TIN / LEAD	( 60/40 & 90/10 )
COPPER PLATING	CLASSES 2, 3 & 4	12 FT. TANK
ELECTROLESS NICKEL	CLASSES 1 - 4 GRADES: A - C
NICKEL PLATING	CLASSES 1 - 2 GRADES: A - G	SEMI-BRITE / MATTE / BRITE / SULFAMATE
GOLD	TYPE I & II GRADE: C, TYPE III GRADE: A
SILVER	Type I, II GRADE: A & B
TIN	TYPE 1 / ALKALINE	12 FT. TANK
TIN FUSE	TYPE 1 / ALKALINE
TIN / LEAD	( 60/40 & 90/10 )
TIN/LEAD FUSED	( 60/40 & 90/10 )
MASKING	PLUGS, TAPE, LIQUID
VIBRATORY PLATING	GOLD / SILVER

NEW ZINC-NICKEL PROCESS

Zinc-Nickel has proven to be a functional substitute for Zinc and Cadmium electrodeposits. Compared with Zinc and Cadmium, Zinc-Nickel offers stronger resistance to corrosion and does not possess the environmental and health concerns associated with Cadmium. With increasing concerns about the environment and the never-ending search for improved quality, the use of Zinc-Nickel alloy is expected to increase in the U.S.

The deposits produced by the Zinc-Nickel process provides enhanced hardness and scratch resistance and provides a deposit consisting of a uniform Zinc alloy containing Nickel for superior corrosion resistance that surpasses the corrosion resistance test parameters established for Cadmium deposits. The process has both rack and barrel capability.

Associated Plating Company has made the decision to utilize a trivalent-type of Chromate so as to not be under the OSHA proposed mandated PEL for hexavalent Chromium.  In addition, the trivalent Chromate used produces a coating that is both compliant with EU and RoHS mandates. 

With the Automotive Industry already replacing Cadmium with Zinc-Nickel and the Aerospace Industry at last recognizing the benefits of utilizing Zinc-Nickel, Associated Plating realized that it was prudent to expedite this process and has done so. 

• We have completed all of the qualification testing.
• We have our AQMD permit.
• The bath is on line and we are ready.

Cad/Lead Free Electroless Nickel: RoHS - WEEE-ELV-EU Compliant.

Electroless Nickel has been a mainstay of the plating industry for many applications. Associated Plating has utilized Electroless Nickel for our customers in the Aerospace, Electronics, Medical and Automotive Industries for years. With the advent of new technology and the European Union (EU) Directives due on July 1, 2006, Associated Plating has converted to a Cadmium free/Lead free status of our Electroless Nickel. The Electroless Nickel is used as a preplate or as a final finish, determined by customer specification. R&D was initiated in November, 2005 and completed in January, 2006 with all comparison testing done via independent laboratories or customer in-house testing for direct evaluations.

• We have completed all of the qualification testing
• The production baths are on line

Tin and Solder Plating

We specialize in fusing the tin or solder by reflowing the electroplated deposit in hot oil. We have extensive experience and considerable expertise in fusing these deposits on aluminum parts and other substrates. Fused tin precludes whisker growth and renders superior solderability and shelf life. We are experienced in high volume production and have 12 foot tin plating tanks.

• Matte or bright tin
• 90/10 tin-lead, bright or matte
• 60/40 tin-lead, bright or matte

Gold and Silver Plating, Electrodeposited

• Nickel hardened gold meets MIL-G-45204, Type I and II, Grade C requirements.
• Pure Gold meets MIL-G-45204, Type III. Grade A requirements.
• Silver deposits Include Type I, II and III per QQ-S-365

Electrolytic Nickel Sulfamate and Sulfate
For corrosion protection and cosmetic considerations, we plate bright nickel from a sulfate bath.  For engineering applications we plate semi-bright, or stress free matte nickel from a sulfamate bath. Sulfamate nickel can also be used as an excellent migration barrier between undercoating and the finish. We also have nickel chloride bath for initial plating that assures adhesion of the deposit to stainless steel.

Electrolytic Copper
Associated Plating plates copper as either undercoating or finish per MIL-C-14550.