Gold plating is a process that has been employed in the jewelry and gold plate business for over two centuries. In one form or another, gold has been “plated to a base metal to give it the soft yellow look of pure gold. Yet, not all gold plating is created equal. In some instances, the demand is not for gold plating but for ASTM B488 Gold Plating.
What Is ASTM B488 Gold Plating?
ASTM B-488 gold plating is a specification that is standard for electrodeposited (electroplated) gold for use in engineering. This type of gold plating is characterized by certain specifics that direct its choice and implementation. It is often compared to the other major type of prime gold plating specifications: MIL-G-45204.
Three Types and Grades of ASTM B 488 Gold Plating Deposits
The three types of ASTM B488 produced by gold electroplating refer to the purity. The letters A, B, C and D indicate the grades which, in turn, refer to the Knoop hardness of the result. The types of ASTM gold plating are:
* Type I: This is the second highest level of gold at 99.7%
* Type II: This indicates the lowest level of gold at 99.0%
* Type III: This is the purest level of gold at 99.9% gold
The four grades of ASTM B 488 gold plating consist of:
* Grade A: Hardness range of up to 90 Knoop
* Grade B: Hardness range from between 91 and 129 Knoop
* Grade C: Hardness range from between 130 and 200 Knoop
* Grade D: Hardness range of 201 or more Knoop
In this specification standards for engineering applications for the electrodepositing of gold coatings for engineering applications are as follows:
* Type I can be matched with hardness grades A, B, or C
* Type II is matched with B, C, or D
* Type III can only be matched with Grade A
ASTM B 488 Gold Plating: Results and Purposes
ASTM B488 gold plating can be described as hard or soft gold. Application of the former is for such components as key pads or board connectors. Bondable or soft gold is for those operations where assembly requires gold wire bonding. In all cases, gold is requested or required because of its specific properties. Gold in engineering has been preferred for the following reasons:
* Resistance: To both corrosion and tarnish
* Ability to Adhere: This is known as bondability
* Contact Resistance: This is both low and stable
* Solderability
* Infrared Reflectivity
ASTM B 488 Gold Plating
Gold plating has been a common practice among many industries and crafts for decades. No longer is it restricted to the plating of jewelry, plate and cutlery. Today, it is in demand among the electronics industry. To ensure that the final product is of sufficient quality to perform its tasks, the companies turn to the specific standards for engineering ASTM B488 gold plating.
At Professional Plating, we work hard to meet your expectations of high quality metal plating. From base to precious metals, we are there to help you find innovative solutions to any plating problems or demands. We can provide you with GASTM B488 Gold Plating that never fails to meet the industry standards on all levels. If you are interested in learning more about the company and what it can do for you and your own clients, contact us online at Proplate.com.
