Silver Plating and Silver Electro Plating

Silver plating is one type of electro plating not entirely used for the purpose of avoiding corrosion. Silver is a type of metal that has been in used for so long in almost all types of furniture, utensils, appliances and a lot more. Silver plating is the process of coating a conductive substrate with silver to prevent it from corroding while also adding a lustrous aesthetic touch to it. Silver is a white-colored metal with an oxidizing property. This metals is widely used electronics and semi-conductor industries because of its high conductivity. Since it is also an excellent conductor of heat, it also offers great solder ability. Silver plating is very beneficial because it is also malleable and has a high degree of lubricity; thus there is much of use of silver in bearing surfaces and anti-galling applications.

 

Silver is also ductile, hence it is the metal of choice next to gold to use as jewelry and flat wares for its decorative appeal. If you walk in a fancy restaurant you will see forks, spoons, platters and trays that are silver plated. Unlike gold or platinum, silver is relatively cheaper and looks as fancy so it is the metal preferred by most in putting a luxurious touch to an ordinary dining experience. There are different type if silver electro plating; it can range from bright, semi bright or matte types depending on what type you need. For strengthening the material against corrosion, chromate can also be added for endurance. Likewise, pure silver plating is also possible, yet it will be a bit ductile compared to the reinforced silvers. 

 

The beauty of silver electro plating is that it can be done to either ferrous or non-ferrous materials using corrosion resistant cyanide. This process can also be done to electrical components, bearing surfaces and bus bars. The most frequent use of silver is really ornamental on plates, cups, trophies or medals as it adds the perfect shine and beauty. Some even silver plate combs and mirrors, the options are endless because of silver’s ductility. However, silver plating is also highly commendable in the electronic industry, especially in variable capacitors, provides conductivity and serves as a shield against radiation. It also helps reduce friction and improve paint adhesion.  

 

There are different types of silver plating aside from electro plating. The process can be done through applying heat and pressure to fuse the substrate and silver together; another is brush application of liquid silver. Some other process do deposit the silver by doing vapor or sputter deposition. One very prominent feud of silver plating is humidity. One small crack can create an opening and humid can easily penetrate down to the inside of the metal substrate and begin corroding the base material. This effect results to some flaking to the copper surface as an example since humidity actually allows rapid galvanic corrosion. This exposes the flaked copper out of the silver plated layer which is known as the “res plague”.  Very careful handling and continuous finishing as maintenance for silver plated materials is always necessary.