Hastings Electroplating & Metal Finishing
When it comes to engineering excellence, the finish of a component can be just as critical as its core design. Hastings Metal Finishers have been at the forefront of high-quality electroplating and metal finishing, delivering expert services that improve both the appearance and performance of metal components across a wide range of industries.
With a deep commitment to precision, flexibility, and turnaround speed, we support clients in sectors from automotive and aerospace to electronics and food production. Whether the requirement is decorative, functional, or both, our advanced plating capabilities ensure consistent, uniform results, no matter the volume.
Tailored Metal Finishing Solutions
At Hastings Metal Finishers, we understand that no two components are exactly alike. That’s why our services are designed to adapt to your needs. From high-volume batch processing to intricate single-piece plating, we bring a flexible approach that guarantees quality and reliability.
We offer a comprehensive portfolio of metal plating services, including silver, tin, nickel, zinc, copper, and electroless nickel plating. Let’s explore what each of these processes offers and how they serve different industries.
Silver Plating: Superior Conductivity and Performance
Silver is not only a precious metal but also a highly functional one. It boasts excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, ductility, and reflectivity, outperforming many other materials in demanding environments.
Silver plating is often used to prevent galling or seizing in metal components subjected to high loads, such as bearings and compressor blades. Its application is also widespread in the electrical and electronics industries, where dependable conductivity is crucial.
At Hastings Metal Finishers, we handle silver plating for components as small as microswitch contacts up to large castings weighing 250kg. We’re particularly experienced in managing complex masking operations, making us a go-to partner for intricate silver plating needs.
Electroless Nickel Plating: Uniform Protection
Unlike traditional electroplating, electroless nickel plating doesn’t rely on electric current. Instead, it deposits metal evenly across all surfaces, regardless of shape or orientation, providing a uniform coating that’s ideal for precision components.
This plating method offers excellent corrosion and chemical resistance, combined with wear resistance, hardness, and lubricity. Electroless nickel plating is a trusted solution in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, nuclear, and chemical processing.
We utilise a medium phosphorus process (6–9% by weight) to create a bright, uniform finish that stands up to harsh environments while maintaining technical precision.
Nickel Plating: Versatile and Durable
Nickel is known for its mechanical strength, hardness, and magnetic properties, making it suitable for both functional and decorative applications. Bright nickel coatings not only enhance corrosion resistance but also add a high level of reflectivity and brightness.
In many applications, nickel serves as an effective undercoat for precious metal finishes like silver or gold, improving both adhesion and overall appearance.
Our process produces a bright, haze-free nickel finish, ideal for components where both form and function matter.
Tin Plating: Safe, Solderable, and Corrosion-Resistant
Tin plating offers an attractive combination of properties: excellent corrosion and tarnish resistance, a bright appearance, and non-toxicity. This makes it particularly suitable for the electronics, food, and household goods industries.
One of tin’s standout features is its ability to remain solderable even after extended periods of storage, making it a staple in the production of printed circuit boards and other electrical components.
Our tin plating process yields a super-bright finish, optimised for electro-technical applications where reliable connections are essential.
Zinc Plating: Affordable and Protective
Zinc plating is a cost-effective way to provide corrosion protection, especially for steel and iron components exposed to atmospheric conditions. Its sacrificial properties mean that the zinc coating corrodes before the underlying metal, extending the life of the component.
It’s widely used in the automotive, construction, and manufacturing sectors, particularly for threaded components, pressings, and sheet metal parts.
Our zinc plating process produces a bluish-white deposit that not only protects but also adds a visually appealing finish to the components.
Copper Plating: Excellent Conductivity and Versatility
Copper is often the foundation of multi-layer plating systems due to its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as its smooth and ductile nature. It provides outstanding coverage and is frequently used both as a final finish and as a preparatory layer beneath other metals.
In some industrial applications, copper is also used to mask off specific areas during heat treatments like case hardening.
Our copper plating service results in a bright, uniform deposit that’s well-suited for both technical and decorative applications.
Why Choose Hastings Metal Finishers?
With decades of experience and a commitment to quality, Hastings Metal Finishers have become a trusted partner for engineers and manufacturers across the UK. Our ability to handle a wide range of components, from the highly intricate to the industrially robust, sets us apart in the field.
We pride ourselves on fast turnaround times, meticulous attention to detail, and a consultative approach to each client’s requirements. Whether you’re looking to enhance product durability, improve conductivity, or achieve a high-end finish, we have the knowledge and tools to deliver.
Get in Touch
If you’re looking for reliable, high-quality metal finishing services, we’d love to hear from you. Contact Hastings Metal Finishers on 0191 483 9213 to request a quote or discuss your project requirements. Discover how we can add value to your components — one flawless finish at a time.
