Electroplating & Other Metal Plating Processes

Anodizing, Conversion & Other Processes

Composites / Polymers / Plastics Plating

INCERTEC routinely handles a wide variety of coatings on an equally broad spectrum of substrates. The process used will depend on your application but could include:

Process: Chromic Etching

A traditional method to prepare ABS and ABS/PC for metalizing, the part is etched with a chromic acid solution and creates a surface ready for plating. INCERTEC’s state-of-the-art water treatment system overcomes any negative environmental impact and, in-fact, we return water back to the environment cleaner than we received from the municipality.

Chromic Etching Operations: Minneapolis, MN and Empalme, Mexico

Process: Surface roughening

A mechanical technique to prepare the substrate, INCERTEC can precisely and selectively blast etch components to the proper profile.

Surface Roughening Operations: Minneapolis, MN and Empalme, Mexico

Process: Reactive Gasses

A new, and highly effective, method for preparing various types of polymers, many of which cannot be chemically etched or confidently plated at all. This method causes the atomic structure of the polymer to change to a depth of up to 25 microns creating a polar and hydrophilic surface, which can then be metalized. The process yields improved adhesion and consistent results.

Chromic Etching Operations: Minneapolis, MN

Ceramics & Rare Earth Magnets

Process: Ceramics

Ceramics are normally used as insulators of conductivity and are insulators of heat as well. To harness the beneficial attributes of ceramics and allow for conductive properties or decorative finishes, INCERTEC offers the ability to metalize ceramics.

Common coatings used on ceramics include: Gold, Copper, Nickel, Silver, Palladium, Electroless Nickel, Electroless Copper

Ceramics Plating Operations: Minneapolis, MN

Process: Rare Earth Elements (Magnets)

INCERTEC has the technical ability to metalize alloys of rare-earth elements like neodymium, samarium and dysprosium which are used in rare-earth magnets. Treating the world’s strongest magnets requires specific technical knowledge and experience and INCERTEC has the facilities and personnel ideally suited to the task.

Rare Earth Magnet Plating Operations: Minneapolis, MN

Testing and Inspection Capabilities

INCERTEC specializes in plating highly-engineered, critical components where knowledge, experience and ability matter most.

We use a FleXYZ which offers the latest in laser marking. The Electrox Rapid III is a 30W fiber laser that has various frequencies and pulse widths that allow it to remove regular and hard anodize coatings but also can make dark marks on stainless steel or deep etch into metals. The FleXYZ workstation incorporates a large marking area, programmable X,Y and Z-axis movements to address all types of parts. A rotary attachment can be implemented into the FleXYZ workstation to mark circular parts.

Process: Advanced Material Analysis

Our advanced material analysis instruments set us apart in our ability to accurately and quickly inspect materials. Micro focus and proportional counter tubes are ideally suited for the inspection of parts where small structures are measured. Typical applications are measurements on pc-boards, plug contacts and other fine electrical components. The instrument is equipped with four interchangeable apertures and a programmable XY(Z) measuring stage. This makes it ideal for testing mass-production or long runs.

Process: X-Ray Analysis

Our x-ray instrument with silicon PIN detectors provide analysis results and coating thickness readings even with small concentrations and very thin coatings. Fast and precise XY(Z) measuring stage makes it ideal for automated sample measurements.

Process: Magnetic Induction

For a standard-conforming, non-destructive determination of ferrite content in austenitic welded products and in duplex steel. Ferrite content can be measured on site and quickly between 0.1 and 80% Fe.

Process: Eddy Current

For the measurement of the electrical conductivity of non-ferrous metals or metals such as aluminum, copper and stainless steel. In addition, the hardness and strength of heat-treated materials as well as heat damage and metal fatigue can be determined.

Other Tests

• Inductive Coupled Plasma
• Atomic Absorption
• Destructive Testing (bend, cross-hatch)
• Solderability
• Taber Abrasion
• Humidity
• Non-Destructive Testing - Liquid penetrant inspection
• Porosity
• Quench
• Hardness
• Adhesive
• Tape Test
• Salt Spray