Electronics Industry
All the electronic gadgets such as computers, television, cellphones, electronic watches use plating for different kinds of process.Even the appliances we use on daily basis like refrigerator, microwave, It may be used to increase durability of the product or to enhance the aesthetic appeal. Before choosing the metal for plating industries have to consider the following:
✓ Appearance
✓ Damage Prevention
✓ Specification
✓ Lifespan
✓ Environmental Considerations
WHERE IS IT USED?
Plating has tremendous advantages including corrosion protection, electrical conductivity and oxidation resistance.It also increases the strength and durability of the components. It promotes greater resistance to heat and gives a good aesthetic appeal. Plating is majorly used in the following components in electronics industry:
✓ Switches
✓ Relays
✓ Contacts
✓ Soldering, Brazing and welding of electronic parts
✓ Decorative purpose
✓ Connectors
✓ Printed Circuit Board
and more
Plating Process
Plating can be done in variety of ways depending on the type of application. Here are a few important process used by electronics industry to plate different components.
Copper Plating
Copper plating is widely used in electronics industry due its high thermal conductivity and is inexpensive compared to other precious metals like gold and silver. It is widely used in manufacturing of PCB’s and semiconductors.
Electroless Nickel Plating
Electroless Nickel Plating is the chemical process of depositing a layer of nickel-phosphorus or nickel-boron alloy on a surface. This process is primarily used to provide more even and uniform coating on the surface. Various types of nickel alloys are used in this process based on the need:
✓ High Phosphorus for corrosion protection
✓ Medium Phosphorous for aesthetic appeal
✓ Low Phosphorus for hardness
Tin Plating
Tin plating is one of the most inexpensive process as it does not require undercoating and minimises processing time and cost. It provides solder ability which is very essential in manufacturing of electronics and its components.