Gold has been a precious and sought after material for thousands of years. However, the benefits of gold plating are relatively new. The first patent was approved in 1840 and since then, gold plating has become a common practice for a variety of reasons. Yet, not all types of gold platings are the same and there are several types to consider, including ASTM B488 gold plating.
Gold Plating
Many types of metals are plated with gold. For example, it would be far too expensive to make most items out of solid gold, and not practical either. However, gold has special properties resistant to corrosion and is an excellent conductor of electricity, so it makes sense to coat metal with gold to give it the same properties, saving on cost.
Not All Gold for Plating is the Same
There are three basic types of gold (types I, II, and III) used for plating processes. These three types are all about purity. Yet, the hardness of the gold is also important and types A, B, C, and D, refer to its level of hardness. Type A is the softest, and type D is the hardest.
Gold Types
* Type I – 99.7 percent pure. Comes in hardness grades A, B, and C. Type I is used in a variety of general purpose gold plating applications. It’s used in wire wrap connection parts, high quality electric contacts, and where soldered connections are required.
* Type II – 99.0 percent pure. Is available in B, C, and D, hardness grades. Used in general purpose applications for wear resistance. This gold type cannot be utilized in areas of high temperature, because its alloys are subject to oxidation when exposed to heat.
* Type III – 99.9 percent pure. Can only be purchased in A grade. This type is used in special situations like semiconductors and applications with high temperatures. It is also sees use in thermocompression bonding and nuclear engineering.
What is ASTM?
ASTM refers to the American Society for Testing and Materials. ASTM International is a nonprofit organization which provides standards for services, products, systems, and materials, all over the world. Many types of world industries are involved and there are more than twelve thousand standards created. The ASTM’s mission is to enhance the lives of people by setting standards one can trust and depend on.
What is ASTM B488 Gold Plating?
The B488 rating means it is suitable for electroplating materials to be used in engineering applications. When you use a reputable metal coating service for gold electroplating services, you can depend on the highest of quality when you receive parts which meet ASTM B488 gold plating standards.
ProPlating provides ASTM B488 gold plating and many other metal plating services for today’s businesses. To check out all the services we have to offer, visit us online.
