When it comes to high-reliability components, plating isn’t just the finishing touch—it’s a critical performance factor. But for parts with complex geometries, achieving consistent, functional, and spec-compliant plating can be far from simple.
This guide walks engineers through the why, what, and how of plating intricate components, including insider recommendations from Electro-Spec’s senior engineering and operations team.
What features of parts are considered complex geometry?
Parts with the following characteristics are likely to need specialized plating approaches:
- Threads: Internal and external threading are prone to over- or under-deposition, which affects fit and function.
- Deep internal diameters (IDs): Counterbores or bores over 2:1 depth-to-width ratio often receive poor coverage.
- Flat or tabbed parts: Prone to nesting during traditional processes, leading to voids or shadowing.
- Miniature parts: Under 1 cm in any dimension requires delicate handling and consistent motion.
- Parts with sharp corners or undercuts: These characteristics can interrupt plating current flow and create areas of poor adhesion or corrosion traps.
- High aspect-ratio geometries: Common in aerospace and RF applications, often require specialized current distribution.
What can go wrong when plating parts with complex geometries?
Even when using standard plating methods, components with difficult geometries can pose serious risks to performance, cost, and lead time. Here’s what can go wrong:
1. Uneven Plating Coverage
Plating relies on controlled current density. Sharp corners, deep counterbores, or shadowed areas can disrupt the current path, leading to areas of:
- Low thickness, which compromises corrosion protection or electrical conductivity
- Overplating, which affects dimensional tolerances or mechanical performance
If a functional surface is missed or inconsistently coated, the part may be unusable, and that’s a high risk for connectors, sensors, or components in mission-critical applications.
2. Nesting and Coupling
Small or flat parts often nest or stack during traditional barrel plating, leading to plating voids. Nested parts may stick together during processing, and:
- Require manual separation and rework
- Create rejects due to incomplete or uneven plating
- Extend lead times due to rework and rejects
3. Mechanical Damage
Delicate or micro-sized parts can be damaged by tumbling, heavy media, or contact with rough carrier systems. Resulting issues include:
- Surface scratches or deformation
- Thread damage
- Fitment or functional failures downstream
4. Increased Risk and Higher Costs
All of the above directly impact project budgets and timelines. For OEMs, poor plating outcomes can lead to:
- Increased per-part cost due to high reject rates
- Delayed shipments due to rework and capacity strain
- Field failures, warranty claims, recalls, and reputational risk if defective parts enter the supply chain
Recommended Plating Approaches for Complex Geometries
We developed our capabilities to address geometric complexity for high-reliability, tight-tolerance parts. These are the plating processes we recommend to reduce rejection risk for complex parts:
Spouted Bed Electrode (SBE) Plating
Best For: Micro-sized parts, parts under 1 cm, tabbed or flat parts, components that tend to nest, and complex internal features.
Why it works:
- Uses fluidized agitation to suspend parts in a plating chamber
- Continuous solution flow ensures fresh electrolyte contact and even current distribution
- Gentle action minimizes damage while reducing nesting and shadowing
- Ultrasonic integration enhances penetration into low-current-density areas like counterbores
Automated Rack Plating Lines
Best For: Midsized parts with controlled depth and geometry, including parts with strict thickness or finish specs.
Why it works:
- PLC-controlled racks maintain repeatability and consistency
- Programmable controls adjust for plating time, temperature, and current to suit geometry
- Great for connectors, clips, or moderately complex subassemblies
Selective (Controlled-Depth) Plating
Best For: Parts where only specific features require plating, such as contact pins and partial coatings.
Why it works:
- Minimizes unnecessary plating, reducing cost
- Protects critical mechanical interfaces from over-deposition
- Enables high control over plating zones without needing post-plating masking or machining
How can engineers optimize part designs for consistent plating results?
Designing with plating in mind reduces rework, improves yield, and helps achieve spec the first time. Here is what our engineers and operations team suggest:
1. Avoid Tight Nesting in Racks or Barrels
If your parts are flat or stackable, expect issues in traditional barrels. Work with your plater to see if SBE or fixturing can mitigate this.
2. Watch Your Thread and Bore Geometry
Threads are a plating trap. Consider the following:
- Use thread forms that accommodate added thickness
- Allow for plating buildup in tapped holes, or plan for post-plating thread cutting
- If plating is required on internal threads, plan for SBE or specialized fixturing
3. Specify Finish Requirements Clearly
If you need performance in salt spray, solderability, conductivity, or wear resistance, be sure your plater knows. Different finishes (gold, silver, nickel, Tri-M3™) excel in different areas.
- Gold = best corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity
- Silver = highest conductivity (but tarnishes)
- Tri-M3™ = non-magnetic, corrosion-resistant, solderable
4. Tolerances Must Include Plating
Ensure your prints and models account for plating thickness. Underestimating thickness buildup leads to rejects and expensive post-processing. This is especially important with part geometries that have high and low current density features, where plating build-up or the lack thereof could impact tolerances.
5. Involve Your Plater Early
Many issues can be prevented by involving your plating partner at the design stage. Share:
- A CAD model or print
- Function of the part
- The environment it will operate in
- Critical-to-function surfaces
Talk to a Plating Expert
At Electro-Spec, we specialize in making complex components production-ready. Whether you're struggling with nesting issues, poor adhesion, or spec compliance, our team will work with you to ensure your process yields consistent results.
Let’s talk about your toughest geometry.
Contact a plating expert or email us at plating@electro-spec.com.
