Copper plating is a type of electroplating process that applies a thin coating of metal to the surface of a component or a piece of equipment in order to improve its material properties, such as corrosion resistance and surface finish.

Copper plating plays an important role in industries such as automotive, furniture, aerospace and ceramics. Important characteristics of the copper plating process include the type of process, the copper plating solution and power consumption.

Some important parameters you must consider while evaluating your copper plating requirements are:

1. Type of copper plating
2. Required capacity of the copper plating system
3. Power consumption of the copper plating system

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy copper plating equipment from reputable manufacturers

Once you understand your copper plating system requirements, check out standard copper plating kits available in the market.

I recommend: Caswell, a manufacturer of metal finishing equipment, supplies copper plating kits such as acid copper plating kits and flash copper plating kits. Environmental Compliance manufactures and installs copper electroplating equipment for PCB (printed circuit board) manufacturers. EBARA Technologies, a reputable manufacturer of vacuum pumps, supplies copper plating systems as per customers’ requirements.

Buy proper copper plating solution from reputable suppliers

A copper plating solution is important for any copper plating process, as the end properties of the copper coating depend on the selection of the copper plating solution. Try consulting a metal plating expert to select an appropriate copper plating solution.

I recommend: Brooktronics Engineering supplies copper electroplating solutions, such as copper acid, copper alkaline HB and copper soft. Electrochemical Products, a leading manufacturer of metal finishing and plating chemicals, provides copper plating solutions and additives. Dalmar Plating, a manufacturer of copper plating kits, also offers copper plating solutions.

Evaluate copper plating services provided by metal plating service providers

If your copper plating requirements are not permanent, evaluate copper plating services provided by reputable metal plating service providers.

I recommend: Nu-Metal Finishing is a surface finishing company that provides copper plating services for various industries such as aerospace, electronics, medical and semiconductors. For acid copper plating of various materials such as steel, pot metal, zinc die cast and aluminum check out copper plating services offered by Modesto Plating & Powder Coating. Erie Plating Company provides undercoating services that applies copper plating to the component surface as a part of the chrome-copper plating or nickel copper plating process. Triple Cities Metal Finishing is another metal finishing company that performs copper electroplating operations as per customers’ requirements.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Install proper controls and safety features for your copper plating equipment to avoid accidents.
• •  Clean the component surface properly before placing it in copper plating equipment.