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Mastering plating in CNC machining
Have you ever marveled at the sleek, polished look of your favorite gadgets? That smooth, high-end finish is often the result of a meticulous process that combines both science and artistry. I'm talking about plating.
In this blog, I'll walk you through what plating actually is, why it's a great option for finishing CNC-machined parts, the factors that influence the final plating outcome, and how you can account for plating during the design phase.
**What Is Plating?**
To start, let’s clarify what we mean by plating. It’s a common finishing technique used in CNC machining, where a thin layer of metal is added to the component after it has been machined. There are several types of plating, such as anodizing (including Hard Anodizing and Sulfuric Acid Anodizing), chromate conversion coatings, chrome plating, electroplating, and electropolishing.
**The Benefits of Plating**
Plating doesn’t just enhance the appearance of a CNC-machined component—it also improves its functionality. One major advantage is the decorative quality it adds, offering a variety of finishes and textures to suit different preferences. Beyond aesthetics, plating can greatly boost corrosion resistance, protecting components from environmental damage and prolonging their life. Additionally, it enhances durability, ensuring that parts can endure wear and tear over time.
**Why Is Plating a Specialized Process?**
Many people assume that plating is similar to precision machining, but it’s actually quite different. Plating requires a unique combination of craftsmanship and technical expertise to manage multiple variables and achieve consistent results. The final plating finish depends on many factors:
- The grade and origin of the component's 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 processed in the same batch
- The skill and experience of the person performing the process
- The industries and market sectors served by the processing company
- The price you're willing to pay per item for the process
The tighter the tolerance or the higher the aesthetic standard, the more attention, time, and cost are involved. For instance, the flawless brushed aluminum finishes on Apple products aren’t coincidental—they’ve invested heavily in perfecting their production processes.
**Designing for Plating: Tips for Designers**
When designing components that will undergo plating or coating, especially if they have tight tolerances or are customer-facing, here are some key considerations:
- Think about plating requirements early in the design phase. Consult with a reputable plating company or a one-stop machining service provider to anticipate potential challenges and agree on a consistent plating strategy.
- Clearly indicate on your drawings whether dimensions are pre- or post-plating.
- For larger parts being electroplated, ensure there are two dedicated blind tapped holes at either end to ensure good electrical contact and prevent arcing.
- Specify tight tolerances only when absolutely necessary.
- Discuss plating allowances (the growth per face during the plating process) with both the plating company and the machinist. Include these details in your design notes.
- As tolerances become stricter, components should be processed individually rather than mixed with dissimilar parts.
- When tolerances are critical, post-plating grinding or honing may be needed to maintain consistency.
- Avoid specifying threads with class fits unless necessary, as multiple tolerances interact when assembling screws and nuts.
- If the aesthetic finish is crucial, choose a plating company with experience in similar projects. Ensure they know how the part will be processed—whether it can be jiggled on hidden features or if dedicated blind tapped fixtures are needed.
**Choosing a One-Stop Shop for Expert Advice**
At Penta, we collaborate with a network of carefully selected plating and coating suppliers. Every component undergoes rigorous quality checks and inspections before dispatch, ensuring consistent, high-quality results.
If you'd like to discuss your next CNC machining project, feel free to reach out to our experienced engineers at 023 9266 8334 or email sales@pentaprecisionservices.co.uk.
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I hope this helps provide a clearer understanding of plating and how it can enhance your CNC machining projects!