Gold Plating to elevate performance.
Gold Plating to Military Specifications is an essential process in the manufacturing of parts and components for the Military. That’s because these parts often demand reliability, durability, conductivity, performance, and longevity, Gold plating provides important performance improvements in these areas, enhancing parts fabricated of various metals so they deliver the reliable consistency required to meet industry-regulated benchmarks.
The value of Gold Plating on MiIitary Parts
For starters, Gold Plating greatly enhances electric-current conductivity while minimizing energy loss. Gold also has a natural resistance to oxidation and corrosion, prolonging the life of plated parts to ensure they remain functional in even the most challenging environments and conditions. Even at a quick glance, it is easy to understand why Gold Plating is often the electroplating “finish of choice” for parts used in Aerospace, Military and Defense, Telecommunications, and more.
Gold Plating according to strict MIlitary Specifications
Ability to apply a Gold Plated surface coat does not qualify a company as a military approved electroplater. To serve as an approved plater, a company must achieve and maintain the strict performance benchmarks for plating ad defined by Military Specifications or “MIL-Specs” known as AMS 2422; ASTM B488; and MIL-DTL-45204. Meeting these specifications ensures mandated compliance, and also instills confidence in component end-users that rely on the mission-critical performance each part must deliver.
MIL Specifications Overview
AMS 2422
The Aerospace Material Specification (AMS) 2422 is a standard used primarily in the aerospace industry. It governs the electroplating of gold on base metals, ensuring components can withstand the rigors of flight. The gold must have a minimum purity of 99.7%, and the coating thickness must be between 0.0001 inches (2.5 microns) and 0.0005 inches (12.5 microns). These specifications ensure that the plated parts have the necessary properties for reliable performance in extreme conditions, including temperature fluctuations and exposure to a wide range of chemicals.
ASTM B488
The ASTM B488 standard is utilized across various industries, including electronics and telecommunications, where gold plating is essential for improving electrical conductivity. This standard requires gold to have a minimum purity of 99.99% and mandates thickness levels of at least 0.0001 inches (2.5 microns) for specific applications, while thicker coatings may be required for others, such as connectors and contacts. The stringent purity and thickness requirements ensure excellent performance in high-reliability applications, significantly reducing the risk of failures.
MIL-DTL-45204
MIL-DTL-45204 is another critical specification, primarily used in military applications. This standard emphasizes the importance of gold plating on electrical and electronic components, where mechanical reliability is also crucial. The minimum purity level is set at 99.7%, with thickness requirements typically ranging from 0.0001 inches to 0.0005 inches. Components that meet these specifications are better equipped to resist corrosion, which is vital for the longevity and functionality of military hardware exposed to harsh environments.
Summit Plating is a trusted MIL Spec meeting Gold Electroplater
Summit Plating is an established leader in meeting the Gold Plating requirements outlined in AMS 2422, ASTM B488, and MIL-DTL-45204. Our experienced team is dedicated to meeting these important standards on every part we deliver.
What sets Summit apart, however, is more than our ability to consistently meet MIL Specs. Our commitment to part quality is equaled by our commitment to delivering an unmatched plating experience to our clients through friendly, proactive, success-focused customer service. While the gold electroplating process may be complex, we don’t believe the vendor/client relationship should be. So we continually strive throughout a plating program to make the entire journey as accurate, efficient, and transparent as possible.
We are proud of our ability to provide Gold Electroplating on parts and wire used in regulated industries like military, aerospace, and telecommunications.. This ability to maintain quality consistency also has qualified Summit to plate parts used in other selective sectors that include, medical, oil and gas, and even musical instrument wire. We have found our experience in delivering quality results for diverse applications has made us more valuable and proficient to each sector we serve.
Whether the need be for plated parts used in aerospace, military, electronics, or beyond—Summit Plating is committed to reinforcing our reputation as an effective, efficient, trusted partner for securing Gold Plating to Military Specifications.
