High-performance plastics can present professional plating challenges, though the properties that plating brings make it worth the effort it takes to meet those challenges.

Why Plate on Plastics?

Polymers like PEEK, Ultem, and Carbon Fiber can be incredibly efficient for aerospace, defense, medical, and other industries. Engineers choose plating to add structural integrity, EMI shielding, thermal resistance, corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, durability, and to enhance overall quality.

The most popular plating metals for plastic include:

• Copper for electrical conductivity – Copper plating is a cost-efficient choice for adding a metal surface to a part that is non-conductive and for heat masking. As the most reliable metal in EMI shielding, copper is also extremely effective in attenuating magnetic and electrical waves.
• Gold for corrosion resistance, conductivity, and heat shielding
• Nickel for resistance to wear and corrosion – Nickel alloys can have exceptional hardness and corrosion resistance

Today’s plating technology allows professional adhesion of metal onto high-tech plastics to happen without impacting the product’s dimensional integrity, as specified by design engineers. Professional plating operations can achieve metal adhesion and bonding that’s effective even in punishing defense, medical and industrial applications.

What to Look for in a Professional Plating Partner

When you need plating on high-tech plastics like PEEK and Ultem for critical applications like EMI shielding or corrosion resistance, what should you be looking for in your plating partner? These recommendations should help you find a collaborative and experienced supplier.

Significant Experience Plating on Plastics

Design engineers often use polymer and metal combinations to add critical physical characteristics that are best suited for their specific application. Find a plating operation that has significant experience with aerospace, transportation, computers, telecommunication devices, and professional medical devices. Those industries have exacting specifications, so you’ll be assured the organization has the experience to complete your plating project, too.

Innovative Plating Experience

A professional plating operation will have a history of innovative plating experience, working with design engineers in aerospace, defense, transportation, and other sectors, to maximize the adaptability and versatility of their solutions. A plating company that is committed to being on the leading edge of innovation will be more likely to meet your requirements, no matter how challenging.

A Commitment to Quality

There will always be a need for high-quality, repeatable plating at scale, something that can be difficult to achieve. To find a professional plating operation that has a high commitment to quality and meeting your exacting need, consider professional association and online buying networks.

Professional Plating at SAT Plating

You can count on SAT Plating to provide professional plating on plastics. We’re focused on delivering controlled and repeatable technical solutions. Our Quality FIRST mission states that we have a managerial commitment to quality, to improving every day and with every product we make. We focus on reducing and identifying risk while surpassing the requirements for your product and exceeding your expectations.