Galvanic surface finishing and metal refinement

Electroplating is an electrochemical process for improving the material properties of metals. A protective layer is applied to optimize corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity and mechanical strength.

In surface finishing, the component is immersed in an electrolytic solution. An electric current causes a thin layer of metal, such as silver, nickel or rhodium, to be deposited evenly.

A precise surface coating ensures defined layer thicknesses and consistent quality. Thorough surface cleaning beforehand ensures optimum adhesion of the coating.

Galvanic surface finishing increases the service life of components and makes them more resistant to the most extreme tasks.

Electroplated surface finishing is particularly important for metal finishing. Applied surface coatings protect components against corrosion, wear and chemical influences. Metals with good conductivity and adhesion are particularly suitable for coatings.

The materials we most frequently finish are steel (S235, S355, 42CrMo4 according to DIN EN 10025, DIN EN 10083), stainless steel (1.4301, 1.4404 according to DIN EN 10088), aluminum (AlMg3, AlCu4PbMgMn according to DIN EN 573), copper (E-Cu58, Cu-ETP according to DIN EN 13601) and brass (CuZn37 according to DIN EN 12167). These materials are suitable for electroplated layers of gold, silver, nickel, chromium, copper, tin or rhodium.

Nickel (DIN EN 12540) improves corrosion resistance and serves as an intermediate layer. Chromium (DIN EN 1456) ensures high hardness and abrasion resistance. Silver (DIN EN 1811) increases electrical conductivity and is used for plug contacts. Tin (DIN EN 27874) prevents oxidation in the electronics industry. Precise surface cleaning using chemical or electrolytic processes is crucial to ensure the adhesion of the coating.

As experts in galvanic surface finishing, we at Dresdner Silber und Metallveredlung GmbH offer surface coatings to the highest quality standards.

Our galvanic surface finishing makes it possible to specifically protect metals and optimize their properties. The layer thickness is crucial and depends on the respective task and material requirements. In metal finishing, layer thicknesses ranging from a few nanometres to several hundred micrometres are achieved.

Technically, minimum thicknesses of around 0.1 µm (100 nm) are possible, for example in gold or rhodium coatings for electrical contacts, where a low material thickness is sufficient to improve conductivity or prevent corrosion. Depending on the metal and process, maximum layer thicknesses can be over 500 µm, for example for functional coatings with nickel or copper, which are used as wear protection or for mechanical reinforcements.

Choosing the right coating thickness is crucial for the functionality and durability of the component. In surface coating, precise parameters are controlled in order to produce uniform layers that are optimally adapted to the requirements. Dresdner Silber und Metallveredlung GmbH uses modern processes to ensure high dimensional accuracy and reliable quality in galvanic surface finishing.

Galvanic surface finishing is subject to strict environmental regulations in Germany to ensure environmentally friendly metal finishing. Particularly important are regulations on surface coating and surface cleaning, which regulate the use of chemicals and waste water treatment. Dresdner Silber und Metallveredlung GmbH consistently implements these standards.

Key legal requirements are the EU Chemicals Regulation REACH (EC No. 1907/2006), which restricts the use of certain substances, and the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU), which limits emissions to air, water and soil. The German Water Resources Act (WHG) sets out strict requirements for wastewater treatment. In addition, the Ordinance on Installations for the Handling of Substances Hazardous to Water (AwSV) requires companies to ensure that no hazardous substances are released into the environment.

Our company relies on modern recycling systems to use chemicals and water efficiently. Pollutants are minimized in accordance with the requirements of TA Luft and TA Lärm. We use energy-efficient processes to reduce CO₂ emissions and comply with environmental certifications such as DIN EN ISO 14001, ensuring sustainable surface finishing that meets the highest environmental standards.

Electroplated surface finishing is subject to strict quality controls to ensure uniform and standard-compliant coatings. Dresdner Silber und Metallveredlung GmbH complies with the relevant legal requirements and technical standards. DIN EN ISO 9001 for quality management and DIN EN ISO 14001 for environmental management systems are particularly important. Industry-specific standards also apply, such as DIN EN ISO 2081 for zinc-nickel coatings and DIN EN ISO 4519 for measuring coating thickness.

Before the actual coating is applied, the surface is always cleaned in accordance with standards. Residues of oxides, grease or other impurities can impair the adhesion of the coatings. In surface coating, we use X-ray fluorescence and eddy current measuring devices to check the coating thickness at μm level. Electrochemical tests are also required to check the homogeneity of the metal deposition.

The metal coating is followed by an adhesion test using a cross-cut or tensile tests. Corrosion protection tests such as the salt spray test in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9227 confirm the resistance of the coating. The use of chromium(VI) is regulated by the REACH regulation and heavy metal limits must be adhered to. The metal surface finish therefore guarantees the highest quality, durability and environmental compatibility.