シルベック List of Products and Services

Q: What happens if nickel is not applied as a base layer? 【 Chrome plating 】 A: I will answer in the context of decorative plating. It is possible to perform chrome plating without a base nickel layer, but there are many disadvantages such as not achieving gloss, and inferior corrosion and wear resistance. Therefore, a base nickel plating is necessary for decorative chrome plating.

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Q: Please tell me about a plating that has good solderability and does not produce whiskers. A: Silvaco's "Solderable Nickel Plating" has solder wetting properties equivalent to tin plating, does not produce whiskers, and is a cost-effective plating option. Precious metal platings (such as gold, silver, and platinum) also have good solderability and do not produce whiskers, but they are expensive.

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Q: Is it possible to directly nickel plate zinc die castings? A: No, it is not possible. Zinc die castings require copper plating as a base layer. Once copper plating is applied, various types of plating can be selected.

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Q: What are the characteristics of barrel nickel plating? A: Barrel nickel plating is suitable for relatively small products. It has less variation in plating thickness compared to rack plating, leaves no contact marks, and is cost-effective.

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Q: Can nickel plating be done on any material? A: Basically, as long as proper surface preparation is carried out, nickel plating can be applied to any material.

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Q: When crimping after electric nickel plating, the nickel plating film cracks. Is it possible to have a nickel plating that does not crack during crimping? A: It is possible with our company. Regular bright nickel plating often cracks during crimping due to the film stretching at a hardness of around HV550-600. Our nickel plating can achieve a nickel plating that does not crack during crimping by depositing a plating film with good ductility. We would be grateful if you could feel free to contact us or request sample creation.

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Q: Please tell me the advantages and disadvantages of double nickel. A: The advantage is that it has superior corrosion resistance compared to single-layer nickel plating at the same plating thickness. The disadvantage is that it increases the number of processes, leading to higher costs.

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Q: Is it true that nickel plating on a tin-plated substrate is effective in preventing metal diffusion into electronic components such as contacts and connectors? A: Yes, it is effective. For example, by inserting a nickel plating between copper plating and tin plating, the nickel plating layer can act as a barrier to prevent copper diffusion into the tin plating layer.

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Q: Is it possible to change the glossiness even with nickel plating? A: It is possible to change the glossiness through gloss agent management and plating thickness management. However, it also depends on the glossiness of the base material.

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Q: I heard that there are three types of gloss: glossy, semi-gloss, and matte. Is it possible to layer these nickel finishes, for example? A: Yes, it is possible to layer them. For instance, by layering a glossy nickel plating over a semi-gloss nickel plating, you can create a double nickel plating that utilizes the potential difference for improved corrosion resistance.

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Q: Is it possible to nickel plate aluminum material using a barrel? A: Yes, it is possible at our company. Depending on the shape and size of the aluminum, the cost-effectiveness of plating using fixtures versus plating using a barrel will vary. We will review the product drawings and shapes to suggest which method would be more cost-effective, as well as discuss the differences in quality. In addition to the price difference, the performance benefits of having a complete plating coating without fixture contact, and the effectiveness of barrel plating for cylindrical products to ensure plating reaches the inner diameter, are significant.

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Q: I was told that nickel plating is necessary as a base layer when requesting copper plating on aluminum die casting. Is it not possible to directly copper plate aluminum die casting? A: It is possible. Our company can directly copper plate as well as directly nickel plate aluminum alloys. However, pretreatment (zincate treatment) may be required. We look forward to your requests for sample creation and technical consultations.

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Q: Is it possible to have a hard copper plating with a film? A: It is possible to have a copper plating with a hardness higher than pure copper (around 55HV) (up to about 180HV).

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Q: In the case of cyanide copper plating, does cyanide remain after copper plating? A: Cyanide is not contained in the copper plating film.

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Q: Is strike copper necessary? A: Strike refers to a plating process using a low metal concentration solution to improve the adhesion between the substrate and the plating film by applying a high current density for a short period of time. Our company determines the necessity of strike copper based on the type, shape, and processing history of the substrate.

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Q: There are various baths for copper plating; what are the characteristics of each? A: Copper sulfate plating: This plating has high smoothness for decorative purposes, allowing it to mask minor scratches and achieve a mirror finish. It is also used for circuit formation in printed circuit boards. Cyanide copper plating: This plating solution contains highly toxic cyanide, and its use has gradually decreased. However, it is an alkaline plating solution with excellent uniform electrodeposition, strong adhesion to impurities, and is essential for plating on zinc alloys. Pyrophosphate copper plating: This plating solution has become popular as an alternative to cyanide copper plating. It has excellent uniform electrodeposition and is suitable for carburizing prevention and electroforming, but its use has decreased due to the difficulty of wastewater treatment (copper removal).

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Q: Is it possible to create a copper plating that does not discolor? A: Ultimately, it will discolor. There are methods to minimize and delay discoloration as much as possible, but copper plating will eventually discolor.

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Q: What is the conductivity efficiency of copper plating? A: Among metals, copper has the second-best electrical conductivity after silver.

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Q: Is it possible to use copper plating for carburizing prevention? A: If you apply copper plating with a minimum thickness of about 13μm and a maximum of about 30μm, it will prevent carburizing. Generally, a specification of around 25μm is common.

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Q: Is it possible to achieve a glossy appearance with electroless nickel plating? A: We are unable to accommodate that. Electroless nickel plating does not have the capability to produce a glossy finish. While it is possible to create an appearance by using a mirror finish on the base material before applying electroless nickel plating, we cannot control the gloss. With electrolytic nickel, however, it is possible to control the finish from semi-gloss to glossy appearance.

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Q: Is Kanizen plating available? A: Kanizen plating is a trademark name for electroless nickel solution, and when Kanizen is mentioned in the drawings, it generally refers to electroless nickel plating. Our electroless nickel plating is not from Kanizen, but if the customer does not specifically require Kanizen's solution, we can provide it without any quality issues.

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Q: Is trivalent chromium plating different from trivalent chromate? A: Yes, they are different. Trivalent chromium plating is typically applied over nickel plating, and the base material can be any metal that can be plated. However, trivalent chromate is generally applied after zinc plating, although we can also apply trivalent chromate directly to aluminum.

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Q: Is it possible to process parts with easily entangled or easily deformable shapes using barrel plating with copper, nickel, or tin? A: Yes, it is possible. There are some limitations regarding shape and thickness, but we can accommodate this with our precision barrel plating.

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Q: Is it possible to have electromagnetic wave shielding plating? A: Yes, it is possible. Generally, metals provide electromagnetic wave shielding, but the effectiveness of shielding varies depending on the type of metal and the wavelength. The electromagnetic wave shielding plating we handle includes electroless nickel and copper plating. There are also products that have copper plating on aluminum.

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Q: Is it possible to apply solderable nickel plating on aluminum? A: Solderable nickel plating (electrolytic nickel plating for soldering) can be applied to aluminum materials. Plating processes such as jig plating and barrel plating are possible. There are no restrictions on the type of aluminum material; it can be applied to rolled aluminum alloys as well as cast aluminum alloys like aluminum die casting without any issues.

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Q: Is it possible to plate on bronze? A: Yes, it is possible. Our company can accommodate both jig and barrel plating methods.

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Q: Is it possible to plate zinc die castings? A: Yes, it is possible. Our company can accommodate both jig and barrel plating methods. Plating on zinc die castings is one of our strengths.

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Q: Is it possible to nickel plate aluminum material using a barrel? A: Yes, it is possible at our company. Depending on the shape and size of the aluminum, the cost-effectiveness of plating using jigs versus barrel plating will vary. We will review the product drawings and shapes to suggest which method would be more cost-effective, as well as discuss the differences in quality. In addition to the price difference, the performance benefits of having a complete plating coating without jig contact, and the effectiveness of barrel plating for tubular products in achieving plating on the inner diameter, are significant.

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Q: Is it possible to plate various aluminum and aluminum die castings? A: Yes, it is possible. Depending on the shape and type of plating, we will choose whether to use fixtures or to plate in a barrel. Plating on aluminum is one of our strengths.

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Q: Is it possible to plate stainless steel (SUS)? A: Yes, it is possible. A nickel strike plating (a thin film with high adhesion) can be applied to stainless steel (SUS), allowing for various plating options on top of it. Our company can accommodate both jig and barrel plating methods. Our plating and chemical treatment surface processes comply with the RoHS directive.

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Q: Can you issue environmental-related certificates such as RoHS, REACH, and non-use certificates? A: The environmental-related inquiries and certificate requests we respond to from customers are as follows. Please feel free to contact us. - SDS - chemSHERPA CI - chemSHERPA AI - Precision analysis data for plating coatings (mercury, lead, cadmium, hexavalent chromium concentration analysis data via ICP, etc.) - Compliance certificates for RoHS Directive and REACH Regulation - Usage declaration or non-use certificate issued by the chemical manufacturers for agents used in plating, chemical treatment, and anodizing - Conflict minerals investigation for gold, tantalum, tungsten, and tin - Usage declaration or non-use certificate for the list of chemical substances specified by the customer

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Q: What is the aluminum material that can achieve the highest surface hardness with hard anodizing? A: The A1000 series and A5000 series. Materials with high aluminum purity can obtain a hard coating. Next is the A6000 series. Among ADC materials, ADC5 and ADC6 are the ones.

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Q: I would like to add grain patterns (hairline, spin, scratches, etc.). Is that possible? A: Yes, it is possible. Depending on the product shape and requirements, it may be processed by the supplier, but we can accommodate each of your requests.

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Q: Is it possible to have a matte anodized appearance? A: Yes, it is possible. Our company has a chemical matte process as a pre-treatment, so we can provide matte anodizing by passing through this process before anodizing. *Various matte treatments can be accommodated by our partner companies.

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Q: Anodizing tends to reduce the glossiness. Is bright anodizing possible? A: Yes, it is possible. Anodizing often reduces glossiness when a thicker layer is applied, depending on the material. Our company has the capability to adjust the anodizing process conditions for bright anodizing, and we also have a chemical polishing process as a pre-treatment. By passing through this process before anodizing, we can provide bright anodizing.

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Q: I would like to measure the hardness of hard anodized aluminum. What thickness in μm would be appropriate to achieve suitable hardness, and is it possible to measure it? A: The hardness of anodized aluminum does not change whether it is 5μm or 50μm. However, when measuring Vickers hardness (Hv), a thickness of at least 20μm is required for micro Vickers. This is because the hardness of the anodized coating is measured in relation to the cross-section of the anodized layer. Vickers hardness is determined by measuring the size of the indentation left by a diamond. If the anodized layer is less than 20μm thick, it is not possible to measure the size of the indentation on that cross-section.

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Q: Is it possible to perform bending processes such as sheet metal work and pressing after anodizing the plate? A: It is not possible. Aluminum is a soft metal that is easy to bend, but anodizing hardens the surface, causing the bent areas to crack. If cracking is acceptable, it may be possible.

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Q: Is it possible to anodize 2000 series and 7000 series Duralumin aluminum? A: Yes, it is possible. Our company anodizes both the 2000 series and 7000 series.

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Q: Is it possible to mask and anodize? A: Yes, it is possible. If you want to keep the processing dimensions intact, masking can prevent the formation of the anodized coating. Our company offers masking using silicone rubber, tape, printing, masking liquid, and other options.

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Q: Is it possible to express two colors with anodizing? A: Yes, it is possible. It is called two-color anodizing, where the entire surface is anodized to one color first. The areas where a different color is desired are then re-machined to expose the aluminum, and anodizing is applied only to those areas to achieve a different color. At Taishilbeck, we are currently processing two-color anodizing in black and red.

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Q: I would like to color anodize aluminum die casting (ADC). Is it possible? A: For ADC12, it is possible in black. For ADC5 or ADC6, it is possible to express a certain range of colors. Currently, we are processing titanium gold color on ADC6 material.

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Q: When anodizing ADC12, it turned a brownish color. Is there a way to prevent discoloration? A: We sincerely apologize, but we are unable to accommodate that request. When anodizing ADC12, it naturally develops color. The presence of silicon (Si) can affect the coloration, and due to flow patterns during casting, it may also result in an uneven finish. Our company can implement processing methods to minimize this occurrence, but it is not completely preventable.

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Q: Is it possible to anodize ADC12 (12 types of aluminum die-cast material)? A: Yes, it is possible. At Taisei BEC, we are currently processing anodizing for ADC12 every day. We also have a line specialized for ADC. * Regular anodizing Yashio/Japan ○ Available (Outsourcing: Can be handled by our partner company) Chonburi/Thailand ○ Available (In-house: Die-casting line and coloring line available) * Hard anodizing Yashio/Japan ○ Available (Outsourcing: Can be handled by our partner company) Chonburi/Thailand ○ Available (Outsourcing: Can be handled by our partner company)

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Q: Is anodized aluminum compliant with the RoHS directive? A: Yes, it is compliant. 【Thai Silvec Contact Information】 Office: 038-447-557, 038-447-558, 038-447-566 Thai Direct Line: 089-938-8207 Japanese Direct Line: 091-779-4427 E-mail: info@thai-silvec.com 【Japan Silvec Contact Information】 TEL: 048-994-5931 FAX: 048-994-5935 E-mail: info@silvec.co.jp

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This is an example of a quality issue faced by our customer that was resolved using our plating and surface treatment technology. Case 1: Nickel plating for soldering electronic components mounted on substrates without flux ■ Electronic component company M During product launch, there was instability in solder wettability when soldering small-sized components made of 42 alloy material onto substrates without flux. We received an inquiry from a major pharmaceutical manufacturer. We conducted a trial using our soldering nickel plating "Solderable Nickel Plating," and as a result of the evaluation, it was found that the solder wettability was stable and equivalent to that of tin, leading to mass production.

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