FAQ
General in plating
Q
What is hoop plating?
A
Hoop plating is a process method that involves continuous high-speed plating on long belt-like shaped material.
Q
How long is the plating warranty period?
A
The plating warranty period differs depending on the plating specifications as well as the storage environment and time of the process completion.
Q
Is there a way to decrease contact electrical resistance of the plating surface?
A
We recommend N-Ni.
Q
What is the difference between plating on aluminum and alumite?
A
Plating on aluminum: Similar to other plating, it is a surface treatment that involves creating another metal film on an aluminum base material to provide properties such as electric conductivity and solderability. Please look here for further information Alumite processing: This surface processing involves artificially creating a thick oxide aluminum film on an aluminum surface, for the purpose of improving anti-corrosion and anti-abrasive properties.
Possible specifications
Plating specifications
Q
Is surface treatment not listed in the specifications list also possible?
A
We offer joint development on surface treatment technology for new materials.
Q
Are specifications for plating on aluminum possible other than Ni plating and Sn plating?
A
If the undercoat plating is Ni, plating specifications are basically possible with materials other than Ni and Sn. Please contact us.
Q
I have problems with discoloration due to temperature changes in Sn-plated products. Are there any countermeasures?
A
We recommend N-Sn plating.
Material dimensions
Q
To what extent of the width of coiled material can be plated?
A
A maximum of 200mm is possible with Cu and 250mm with Al.
Q
Can you plate onto coiled materials with a thickness of 2mm or above?
A
We currently only offer support for a thickness up to 2mm.
Partial plating
Q
Is liquid surface control Sn-plating less expensive than partial Sn plating using masking tape?
A
Recently, because of the progress of more efficient processes, this is not always the case. Please try comparing estimates and quotations for more details.
Q
How much overall surface Sn-plate bending is possible?
A
2.5mm from the center.
Q
I would like to know the possible dimensions with partial Au plating.
A
Up to 3mm from the bending area.
The distance from the guide holes to the product is at 2.5mm or more in the y direction from the guide center.
The minimum guide holes diameter is Φ0.7.
Factory support
Q
What is the smallest lot for processing?
A
The smallest lot is 50m. Please feel free to consult with us on product quantity.
Trial production
Q
Is plating on individual sheets possible?
A
We do not offer this for mass production but we can make trial production depending on the conditions for small lot requests. Please contact us.
Q
Is plating possible on materials other than metals?
A
We have experience in plating on carbon fiber, non-woven fabrics and resin. Please try out our trial production services.
Q
What is the minimum necessary amount for trial production?
A
Trial production is possible with the customer’s requested amount + about 50m.
Q
Is barrel plating possible?
A
This is not possible in mass production but we may be able to handle requests for trial production. Please contact us.
Q
Is trial production available on a short term basis?
A
This depends on factors such as requiring new equipment, mass production, individual sheet plating and quantity, but adjustment is possible. Feel free to contact us.
Q
Which do you place emphasis on, dry type (vacuum adhesion, ion plating, sputtering, etc.) or wet type (electroplating, electroless plating)? Is other plating available (chemical conversion coating, alumite, etc.)?
A
We mainly handle wet type, especially electroplating. Please contact us about other types of surface treatment.
Q
Are stamping and resin molding possible?
A
Nishihara Rikoh specializes in plating. We do not offer those in mass production. We can offer suggestions for post-processing issues from the perspective of a plating manufacturer. Feel free to contact us.
Equipment related
Q
Do you produce and sell plating equipment? Do you have experience doing this?
Analysis related
Q
I am having problems with plating materials from other company.
A
We have expertise in analysis. Feel free to contact us.
Q
Does oil adhered to the aluminum surface come off in the pre-treatment?
A
Depending on the situation, we offer support to solve problems caused by contaminants with our surface analysis expertise for severe contaminants and scratches.
We also offer proposals about plating process structure including selecting pre-treatment chemicals.
Overseas support
Q
Do you offer overseas support?
A
We can export from Japan but we don’t offer onsite production services. Feel free to contact us about technology support.
Q
What type of plating technology support do you provide?
A
We mainly offer support in process design, management technology and analysis technology. Feel free to contact us.
Q
Can you make delivery specifications in English or Chinese?
A
Yes, we can. Feel free to contact us.
Quality related
Q
What about efforts towards quality and the environment along with conflict minerals?
A
Please take a look at this link. We can submit a questionnaire concerning conflict minerals.
Q
Is Nishihara Rikoh plating film compliant with RoHS Directive?
A
Yes, it is. Submission of analysis data from a third-party institution is possible.