Alternatives to electrodeposited coatings

The following section gives you an detailed overview regarding the criteria and requirements for the searched for coating solution.

Substrate Compatibility: Solutions must work with existing substrates such as copper alloys (Ecobrass, Pfinodal, etc.) and steel alloys (Durnico, etc.), and be suitable for complex geometries like 3D parts, holes, and cavities.
Processes in Use: The solution should be compatible with the use of racks and/or baskets for industrial processes or it should be easily integrable with those industrial systems when scaling up.

Thickness and Uniformity: Coatings must meet the required thickness range as described below. For gold, ensure color consistency with NIHS 67-50 (gold 2N).
Order of Coatings: Currently, the typical sequence includes a nickel layer (0.3 to 1.5 µm ±0.2 µm) followed by a gold layer (0.1 to 0.5 µm). The use of only nickel (or nickel-alternatives) or only gold can be also considered when the functional and aesthetic properties are met.
Component Dimensions: Solutions must be effective across components with dimensions ranging from 1x1 mm² to 10x10 mm², and thicknesses from 0.05 to 1 mm.

Gold: Focus on maintaining aesthetic quality, color consistency (2N standard), and adherence.
Nickel: Focus on functionality, including corrosion resistance, adherence, and tribological properties, with openness to alternative materials.

Non-Toxicity: Use safe, non-toxic, and/or recyclable materials.
Eco-Friendliness: The solution should minimize environmental impact, addressing security and worker safety concerns.

The section gives you some visual information about the affected components.

Support