SPC (Sharretts Plating Company)

SPC (Sharretts Plating Company) is a U.S. company that provides functional plating services for aerospace, medical, and electronic component applications. This article introduces the challenges SPC can help solve through plating technology development for difficult-to-plate substrates, high-performance surface finishing for micro components, and an integrated production system.

Source: SPC official website
(https://www.sharrettsplating.com/)

Challenges SPC’s Functional Plating
Can Help Solve

One-Stop Post-Processing for Prototypes and Small Lots

A one-stop system for precision assembly, kitting to specified configurations, and packaging eliminates the management burden associated with ancillary work after plating. SPC handles complex post-plating operations in one place, reducing the time and effort required to coordinate vendors and schedules. This allows development teams to focus on design verification and core development.

Protecting Micro Components
with Single-Site Processing

SPC’s in-house production system, covering everything from surface finishing through final packaging and direct delivery, helps prevent product damage associated with transfers among multiple vendors. This eliminates scuffing and impact damage caused by back-and-forth transfers between vendors. The single-site system also preserves the fine features and tightly controlled electrical properties of delicate plated surfaces, enabling reliable shipment of high-quality components.

Design-Stage Support
for Difficult-to-Plate Substrates

SPC’s support system combines consultation and prototype validation from the product design stage with nearly a century of technical expertise, helping prevent adhesion failures that are more likely to occur when plating difficult-to-plate substrates. This approach helps establish appropriate specifications early for titanium and tungsten to prevent delamination. This reduces the risk of defects being discovered just before volume production and the need for rework, supporting a smooth new-product launch.

Supported Plating Processes

When Is SPC a Good Fit?

SPC’s Plating Case Studies (Customer Testimonials)

Developing Electroless Nickel Plating Technology for a Special Substrate

Challenges Before Implementation

The client was exploring the feasibility of electroless nickel plating on a special substrate. However, because this was a specialized project involving considerable uncertainty, finding a plating vendor capable of taking it on was a challenge.

Outcome

SPC developed electroless nickel plating technology for the special substrate. The plated samples provided by SPC confirmed the feasibility of achieving the target, leading to recognition of SPC’s ability to handle specialized projects and its broad plating expertise.

Quickly Clarifying Requirements for Installing a Metal Finishing Line

Challenges Before Implementation

The client was considering installing a metal finishing line at its plant. However, the company had continued gathering information and conducting research over an extended period because it had been unable to determine the capital investment, operating costs, and resources required.

Outcome

SPC quickly clarified the capital investment, operating costs, and implementation requirements, then proposed multiple implementation approaches and options. The client was able to establish a clear direction for installing a metal finishing line suited to its needs.

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