Silver plating

The most common reasons for silver plating as a surface treatment is its electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion protection, anti-seizing, temperature resistance as well as its superior lubricity. Silver has the highest conductivity of all metals and is therefore a very good choice when it comes to plating to achieve conductivity. Silver also has high optical reflectivity and high ductility. Areas where silver are commonly used are for example electronics, transmissions, and electrical vehicles.

The corrosion protection in silver is high since it is a noble metal, and this is one of the reasons for silver plating materials such as copper. To maintain the high conductivity and avoid oxidation on the surface. However, there are some areas where silver is sensitive to corrosion. Silver corrodes together with sulfur, a process called sulfidation. This means that an anti-tarnish treatment after the silver plating is necessary to prevent corrosion in environments that are high in sulfur. References to anti-tarnish treatments after silver plating is common in silver plating standards.

Silver plating is possible on most materials. At Provexa we offer several different metals as barrier layers and pre-treatments, such as copper and nickel. Silver plating is possible both in rack and in barrel plating. There are different types of plated silver, see more information about the types below.

Matte silver: This is the silver plating process that gives the highest conductivity and purity which is necessary for high temperature applications. Matte silver is usually used for its lubricity at high temperature for bearings and bushings.

Semi-Bright silver: This type of plating gives an outstanding solderability, good corrosion resistance, electrical and thermal conductivity, high temperature resistance as well as good lubricity.

Bright silver: This silver plating process gives the best durability and hardness. The bright silver also has high solderability, corrosion resistance, electrical and thermal conductivity, and good lubricity.