INTA Technologies Corporation 2281 Calle de Luna, Santa Clara, CA 95054 || Tel: 408-748-9955 || Fax: 408-727-3027

 

Platinum Plating

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

Does INTA plate platinum on titanium?

Yes, regularly. This is a specialty for INTA Technologies Corporation and we have been using the same process for many years.

 

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Why is platinum plating popular?

Platinum plating is very popular for many reasons. Platinum does not oxidize or tarnish. Platinum plating is used for catalytic converters (automotive), surgical and medical equipment, and low voltage, low current applications. A thin deposit of platinum protects the substrate very well and has made platinum very popular for a coating selection. Platinum plating is used for anodes and for protecting substrates from harsh or chemical environments.

 

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Is there an eless platinum that INTA offers?

No, electrolytic only.

 

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How much does platinum plating cost?

Platinum plating is one of the more expensive coating options. Use platinum for high-end applications and corrosive environments. Platinum is more expensive than gold but less than rhodium. Each project is unique. For an exact price quote please contact INTA Technologies.

 

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What is a typical plating thickness?

Range from .00002 to .0002” – contact our sales office for design assistance sales@intatech.com or 408-748-9955 x113

 

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How fast can INTA plate parts?

Standard lead time is five (5) days. Same day or expedite service available in many cases for an additional charge.

 

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How does platinum plating compare to gold plating?

The two coatings are used for different applications. Platinum plating is especially important in the electrode manufacturing segment and gold would not be an adequate alternative. Platinum is more costly than gold, but often a thin coating of platinum will suffice – making up for the price difference between platinum and gold. In most cases platinum plating is good for high temperature applications but is more costly than gold plating.

 

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What is the largest part INTA can platinum plate?

In general, our maximum size for platinum plating is 12” length and 6” OD although exceptions occur.

 

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What materials can be copper plated?

Partial list:

Copper

Steel

Copper tungsten

Graphite

Aluminum

Ceramic

Plastic

Molybdenum

Titanium

Zirconia

Kovar

Quartz

MACOR

Inconel

Alloys

 

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Are there less expensive alternatives?

In many cases platinum plating is necessary and there is not a less expensive alternative. In other cases, however, alternatives exist. For high temperature applications, platinum and rhodium are very popular. For further analysis send your drawings and requirements to:

Blake Kneedler, Manufacturing Engineer

408-748-9955 x113

408-727-3027 fax

blake@intatech.com

 

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What is the CTE for platinum?

Thermal conductivity: 71 (W/mK)

Density: 21.4 (gm/cc)

CTE: 8.8 (ppm/deg C)

 

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Is platinum a noble metal?

Many folks consider platinum a noble metal along with these other metals:

Copper
Ruthenium
Rhodium
Silver
Rhenium
Osmium
Iridium
Gold
Mercury

However, to certain scientists (including physicists), platinum is not considered noble because not all the d-bands in the electronic structure are filled. In the view of most physicists the only noble metals are copper, silver and gold. Try this experiment: Prepare a clean platinum plated surface in high vacuum and then compare the results using the same process with a gold plated surface

 

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What are the other noble metals?

See the previous answer.

 

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Can I have a platinum coating .001” - .01”?

INTA recommends building an undercoat followed by a platinum topcoat much thinner than .001”. INTA does not have the ability to guarantee platinum coatings .001”-.01” but can do research & development work for a fixed cost or by the hour.

 

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Is platinum plating bio-compatible?

Yes, platinum plating is bio-compatible in most cases but certain precautions must be followed to the letter. For further details contact Blake Kneedler, Manufacturing Engineer (blake@intatech.com) or Dr. Francis Honey (fhoney@intatech.com).

 

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Who should I call if I have platinum plating question?

See the last part of the previous answer.

 

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Does INTA offer free advice on platinum plating?

Yes, advice is given by the phone or email. Drawings are helpful.

 

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Are there any good resources for metal plating?

Try metalfinishing.com (Metal Finishing Magazine) or finishing.com.

 

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Last revised: 19 JUL 2010