Polishing, Pickling and Passivating

 

Silchrome are known for our wide array of metal finishing processes, providing everything from copper plating, to chemical blacking. Alongside our various coating and plating processes we are also quite happy to provide associated services such as pickling and polishing.

Lacquer

When we Copper Plate items, a layer of lacquer will be applied. This helps to maintain the finish we have applied and is used as a preventative barrier as Copper will be attacked by the air, sulphur and acid causing the plating to become damaged. The process of Lacquering can also be suitable for a wide range of Brass Components and we are happy to provide this as a service in its own right.

Polishing

For many different components, polishing will already be included in our Plating Process. As an example when people send us car bumpers, they will often need to undergo heavy polishing to ensure a smooth service for plating. We can also offer polishing as a service which is often done for decorative reasons, but will also help improve corrosion protection (through elimination of imperfections) as well as microfinsh. Silchrome have their own in-house electro-polishing equipment as well as portable equipment for larger components.

Pickling

Pickling is a process we often use in the pre-treatment before plating. Pickling is the use of a strong acid solution which removes surface impurities such as rust or scale from ferrous metals such as Copper and Aluminium. Oil is often used in connection with Pickling as a way of forming as barrier against the moisture in the air which causes oxidisation and rust.

Passivation

Passivation is a process which promotes the build-up of an oxide later proving protection from corrosion.With components made of stainless steel for example, the passivation process removes the free Iron from the surface, but leaves behind other components of the alloy such as Chromium and often Nickel. These remaining elements react with the oxygen to form the oxide layer which protects the steel from corrosion.

Measurement and X-Ray

All of Silchrome’s parts undergo quality assurance before they are shipped out but we have noticed that many companies are asking to independently verify their plating from other supplies. Silchrome have invested so as more of our staff are fully trained to use our in house X-Ray and testing facilities, and this is a service we are happy to carry out on its own.

Silchrome Plating are ISO 9001 and 14001 certified. We are based in Leeds, West Yorkshire where all of our metal finishing processes are carried out in house.