Differences Between Plating & Anodizing

Metal finishing has many options.

Metal parts are used in a variety of products, from construction machinery to industrial food processing plants. The coating of the metal parts, like plating or anodizing, can be varied to accommodate different uses for the item.

Function

Metal coatings allow parts to be altered so they can withstand more resistance or increase solder adhesion. Additionally, coatings can simply improve the aesthetics of the metal product by applying color.

Plating Coats

Plating involves attaching another piece of metal on top of the original metal material to coat or cover. Many times, plating is used so a part can be painted easily.

Anodizing Coats

Anodizing metal is more involved than the plating process. Aluminum oxide is applied to the metal and, as it is applied, alters the original base metal through an electrochemical process. The resulting metal is stronger and thicker, as the new coating becomes part of the metal, but still has the ability to receive paint.

References

• BTR Plating Resources: Frequently Asked Questions