Contact metals
Contact metals are used in galvanic applications to create an electrical connection between the substrate to be coated and the power source. Contact metals are characterized by their high conductivity and corrosion resistance, which makes them ideal for this purpose.
The choice of contact metals depends on various factors, including the specific application, the materials to be coated and the desired properties of the coating. Commonly used contact metals in electroplating include copper, brass, stainless steel and titanium. These metals offer good electrical conductivity and are chemically stable, which ensures a reliable and durable connection.
In addition, the surface treatment of the contact metals is an important aspect in order to achieve optimum performance. Often the contact metals are cleaned, degreased or activated by suitable pre-treatment processes before use to ensure good adhesion and interaction with the surface to be coated. Overall, contact metals are an indispensable part of electroplating as they enable efficient and reliable current supply, which in turn ensures the quality and consistency of the electroplated coatings.
Back to listThis definition is taken from the surface technology encyclopedia from Surface Technology Online. You can find many more technical terms from the surface technology industry in our lexicon overview.
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