Metal Plating

At Contact Fabricators Inc. (CFI), we understand that the performance of an electrical contact goes beyond its core material. Surface finishing plays a vital role in ensuring conductivity, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability. That’s why we offer advanced metal plating services designed to enhance the function and longevity of electrical contacts across industries.

Whether you need precious metal plating for high-performance applications or protective finishes for heavy-duty environments, our expertise ensures every part we plate meets strict quality standards. With decades of experience, our plating processes are fine-tuned to maximize performance without compromising affordability.

The Importance of Metal Plating for Electrical Contacts

Electrical contacts are constantly exposed to heat, friction, oxidation, and environmental stress. Without the right finish, even the most precisely engineered contact can suffer premature wear, corrosion, or conductivity loss. Metal plating adds a layer of defense while improving electrical efficiency.

Key benefits of plating include:

• Enhanced conductivity for reliable current flow

• Reduced contact resistance for energy efficiency

• Protection against tarnish, rust, and oxidation

• Improved hardness and durability against wear

• Aesthetic finishes that meet industry requirements

By choosing the proper plating, manufacturers and engineers can extend the service life of components while reducing maintenance costs.

Wide Range of Plating Options

CFI offers a variety of plating materials and processes, each with unique advantages. Some of the most common include:

• Silver Plating: Excellent conductivity and cost-effective for high-current applications

• Gold Plating: Superior corrosion resistance, low contact resistance, ideal for sensitive electronics

• Nickel Plating: Strong barrier protection, hardness, and wear resistance

• Tin Plating: Economical option for general corrosion protection and solderability

• Customized Finishes: Tailored to meet the specific needs of your application and environment

Our team will guide you in selecting the right finish to achieve the best performance results for your components.

Precision Plating for All Applications

We specialize in plating both low-voltage and high-voltage contacts, ensuring compatibility across a wide range of industries. From power distribution to telecommunications and industrial machinery, our plating services are engineered to support demanding applications.

CFI’s processes are controlled with tight tolerances to guarantee uniform coating thickness and reliable adhesion, ensuring every part performs as intended.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Quality is the cornerstone of our metal plating services. We employ thorough testing and inspection protocols to verify performance and consistency, including:

• Thickness measurement for precise coating control

• Conductivity testing to ensure efficient electrical transfer

• Adhesion checks to confirm durability under stress

• Hardness testing to evaluate wear resistance

This commitment to rigorous testing means you can trust CFI plating services to deliver reliable and consistent results, every time.

Engineering Support and Customization

Our plating services go beyond standard finishes. With full engineering support, we collaborate with clients to determine the ideal plating method for each application. Whether you’re looking to improve the conductivity of a high-performance assembly or extend the service life of a legacy component, our team will help design a plating solution that aligns with your needs.

We also offer prototyping and sample runs so you can validate performance before moving to large-scale production.

Why Choose Contact Fabricators for Metal Plating?

• Decades of experience in electrical contacts and finishing

• Comprehensive plating options from precious metals to protective finishes

• In-house testing to ensure reliability and compliance

• Custom engineering support for tailored plating solutions

• On-time delivery backed by efficient processes and responsive service

• Cost-effective solutions without compromising quality

Our reputation is built on delivering plating services that meet the highest industry standards while remaining practical and affordable for our customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What metals can you plate onto electrical contacts?

We commonly work with silver, gold, nickel, and tin, but we can customize plating finishes to meet unique performance or environmental needs.

How do I choose the right plating material for my project?

Our engineering team will evaluate your application, operating conditions, and performance goals to recommend the best finish. Factors like conductivity, corrosion resistance, and budget all play a role.

Does gold plating wear off quickly?

Gold plating is extremely durable when properly applied, and it offers unmatched corrosion resistance. The thickness of the plating can be customized to balance durability and cost.

Can plating improve conductivity as well as durability?

Yes. Precious metals like silver and gold significantly improve conductivity, while finishes like nickel or tin add durability and protection against wear.

Do you provide testing for plated parts?

Absolutely. Every plated component undergoes testing for coating thickness, adhesion, conductivity, and hardness to ensure consistent performance.

Can you plate obsolete or legacy electrical contacts?

Yes. We specialize in reverse-engineering and can apply modern plating finishes to older components, extending their service life and improving reliability.

How can I get a quote for metal plating services?

You can reach out to us at 317-366-7274 or email info@contactfabricators.com with your specifications. Our team will guide you through options, pricing, and turnaround times.

Partner with CFI for Reliable Metal Plating

When it comes to enhancing electrical contacts with high-performance finishes, Contact Fabricators Inc. is your trusted partner. Our plating services combine decades of expertise with advanced processes to deliver long-lasting, reliable solutions.

Contact us today to learn how our metal plating services can support your project. With CFI, you’ll benefit from precision, durability, and affordability—every time.

Contact Fabricators Inc.—Precision with Passion in every plated component.