Plating on Titanium

Plating on titanium is a surface treatment that requires expertise in pretreatment and adhesion control because an oxide film readily forms on the substrate surface. This article explains the importance of surface treatment in fields that demand high reliability and the process used to overcome these challenges.

Why Is Plating on Titanium Difficult?

This is because a strong passive film forms instantly and hinders plating adhesion. When titanium comes into contact with oxygen, it spontaneously forms a dense oxide film on its surface, preventing metal-to-metal bonding. High-temperature heat treatment may be performed after plating, but the resulting thermal load can cause thermal distortion in precision parts and reduce yield.

Conventional pretreatment methods, such as acid pickling, cannot completely remove the oxide film. Few surface treatment companies can achieve excellent adhesion without relying on heat treatment.

Main Applications and Industries Served

The following are key industries where plating adds functional properties to titanium used in harsh operating environments.

Medical Implants

Although titanium offers excellent biocompatibility, the risk of wear on contact surfaces, such as those in joints, remains a concern. Enhancing wear resistance and conductivity through plating is an effective approach that enables long-term stable performance in the body. For medical device applications, it is important to confirm that an ISO 13485-based quality management system is in place and that customer audit and certification requirements can be met.

Aerospace Engine Components

Titanium is widely used in aircraft components because it is lightweight, strong, and heat resistant, but it is susceptible to wear on sliding surfaces. Improving hardness through plating helps support the safe operation of structural components, while adhesion strong enough to withstand severe vibration and surface modification technology that prevents delamination help ensure equipment reliability.

Applicable Plating Types

The appropriate coating must be selected based on the intended use and required properties.

The appropriate process varies depending on whether the substrate is pure titanium or a titanium alloy grade such as Ti-6Al-4V, as well as on the three-dimensional geometry of the part. To reliably achieve the required functional properties, consult a specialist.

Quality and Technical Requirements for Plating

To improve adhesion, pretreatment is essential to properly remove the oxide film and activate the substrate surface. In addition to fluoride-based methods, appropriate treatment must be selected based on the application and substrate material. In addition to an inspection system capable of verifying coating thickness uniformity, Nadcap accreditation for aerospace applications or ISO 13485 compliance for medical applications may be required before entering into a business relationship.

Key Points When Requesting Plating Services

It is helpful to organize the technical specifications in advance. To facilitate the procurement process, prepare the necessary information before making an inquiry.

• Drawings, dimensional accuracy, and required coating thickness
• Substrate material information, such as pure titanium or an alloy designation
• Operating environment and required functional properties
• Quality certifications held by prospective plating companies

Choosing a company that eliminates the risk of deformation caused by heat treatment and has proprietary adhesion technology is one way to prevent development delays. This website features functional plating shops by industry and component type. Use this information to compare your options and identify a suitable company to contact.