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Mastering plating in CNC machining
Have you ever admired the sleek and polished look of your favorite gadgets? This high-quality finish is achieved through a process that combines both science and artistry. I’m talking about plating.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through what plating really is, why you might want to consider it for your next CNC machining project, the factors that influence the final plating finish, and how you can incorporate plating into your design early on.
**What Exactly is Plating?**
Let’s start with the basics. Plating is a popular surface finishing technique used for CNC machined components. It involves adding a thin layer of metal to the component after it has been machined. There are many different types of plating, including various kinds of anodizing (such as Hard Anodizing and Sulfuric Acid Anodizing), chromate and non-chromate conversion coatings, chrome plating, electroplating, and electropolishing.
**Why Choose Plating?**
Plating offers numerous advantages, both in terms of functionality and appearance. One of its main benefits is the enhanced aesthetic appeal it provides, allowing for a wide range of finishes and textures. Beyond just looking good, plating also improves the corrosion resistance of the component, helping it withstand environmental factors and prolong its lifespan. Additionally, plating can increase the durability of machined parts, ensuring they can handle wear and tear effectively.
**Why is Plating Considered a Specialized Process?**
Many people mistakenly think that plating is similar to precision machining. However, it requires a completely different set of skills. Plating demands a unique blend of craftsmanship and technical expertise to manage multiple variables and control outcomes effectively.
For instance, the final plating finish depends on several factors:
- The grade and source of the raw material
- The geometric shape of the component
- How the component is held, supported, and fixed during the plating process
- Its position within the processing vessel
- Its orientation throughout the process
- Other components being processed in the same batch
- The skill and experience of the person performing the process
- The industries and market sectors the processing company typically serves
- The budget allocated for the process
The tighter the post-plating finish tolerance or the higher the demand for an aesthetically perfect result, the more attention, time, and cost are involved. For example, the flawless brushed aluminum finishes on Apple products didn't happen by chance—they’ve invested heavily in developing their production processes.
**Designing for Plating: Tips for Designers**
If your components require tight tolerances (less than 50 microns) or are customer-facing and aesthetics matter, here are some key considerations:
- Think about plating requirements during the initial design phase. Consult with a reputable plating company or a comprehensive machining service provider to address potential issues and agree on a consistent plating strategy.
- Specify whether the dimensions stated are pre- or post-plating on your drawings.
- Larger parts being electroplated may need two dedicated blind tapped holes at each end to ensure good electrical contact and avoid arcing.
- Only specify tight tolerances when absolutely necessary.
- Discuss plating allowances (the growth per face during plating) with both the plating company and the machinist. Add processing notes to your drawings.
- As tolerances become stricter, components should be processed individually rather than mixed with other dissimilar parts.
- For critical tolerances, post-plating grinding and honing may be necessary to achieve consistent results.
- Avoid specifying threads with tight class fits unless essential, as multiple tolerances interact during assembly.
- If the aesthetic finish is crucial, select a plating company experienced in that type of work. Discuss directly with the plating company how the part will be processed—can it be jigged on hidden features? You may need dedicated blind tapped fixture holds.
**Choosing a One-Stop Shop for Expert Advice**
At Penta, we collaborate with a network of carefully selected plating and coating suppliers. Every part undergoes rigorous quality checks and a full inspection before dispatch, ensuring we deliver high-quality finished components consistently.
If you're planning your next CNC machining project and would like expert advice, feel free to reach out to our experienced engineers at 023 9266 8334 or email us at sales@pentaprecisicion.co.uk.
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By considering these aspects, you can optimize your design for plating, ensuring your components meet both functional and aesthetic standards while maintaining cost efficiency. Whether you're aiming for a durable industrial component or a visually stunning consumer product, plating is a versatile and effective finishing solution.