Platinum Plating – It’s Tough Stuff

Platinum plating finds heavy usage in coating electrodes. These components are important in oil refineries and processors of acids, fertilizers and explosives. Indeed, unlike gold and silver which are mainly used for jewelry and decorations, platinum is largely applied in major industries aside from being in demand in jewelry making. In cars, platinum plated converters are essential in ensuring efficient smoke emission. Platinum plated instruments are also used in catheters and surgical tools. Because of its indispensable uses, it is not surprising that platinum is one of the most expensive metals on the planet.

Typically, platinum plating is done on other metals like niobium, titanium, and even stainless steel.  There are actually several types of platinum metals. Apart from platinum itself, you can also count palladium, iridium, osmium, rhodium, and ruthenium as part of the platinum group of metals. All these materials share the same properties. Thus, they are often used interchangeably. Platinum is recognized as a metal that will not melt under ordinary heating conditions. It is also known for having high resistance against corrosion. Its hardness is also legendary. On top of all these features is the fact that this metal is also rare. That is why platinum is actually more expensive than gold. No wonder, many high-heeled individuals also want this metal to be added to their jewelries or home decorations.

But despite the high costs associated with platinum, they are still used for countless mechanical and engineering purposes. Many platinum plated materials are used in common electronic components and semiconductors because this metal is very versatile. It can be applied thinly onto objects without necessarily compromising its hardness. Two methods are used to electroplate platinum onto other base metals. One is by neutral plating which can enhance the anti-corrosive properties of platinum. This is mainly used in airplanes and spacecrafts and home decorations. The other process is called acidic plating which harnesses the efficient conductivity of the metal. This way of doing platinum plating is used on electrical components.

In jewelry, the unmistakable luster of platinum makes it look more elegant than gold or silver. Not only is this metal very hard, but it can also complement the appearance of most gemstones and other precious metals used in jewelry. But despite all its uses, the actual procedure used in platinum electroplating is actually very simple. The base metal or material is simply submerged in an electrolyte solution that contains a good amount of platinum. The solution is responsible for causing the platinum to attach to the base metal.