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Although silver may not always be top of mind when it comes to finishing, it is actually an excellent choice for electroplating—which is why it has been a staple of coinage and metal plating throughout history. In fact, silver electroplating has so many benefits that it is as viable an option for finishing as any other previous metal on the market. Continue Reading

Electroless Nickel Plating (ENP) is the autocatalytic chemical reduction of a nickel-alloy (Nickel Phosphorus being the most common) coating used for surface finishing. This process is completed without the electric current that is commonly used in electroplating. ENP is deposited by reducing nickel ions with a chemical reducing agent such as sodium hypophosphite. Continue Reading

Gold plating is a commonly used surface finishing method, where a thin layer of gold is deposited onto another metal by chemical or electrochemical plating. You may find yourself wondering: How thick is gold plating? How long does gold plating last? We’ve put together a gold plating guide for your projects that may require this type of surface finishing.

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In the surface finishing industry, the term “anodizing” is very common and is frequently mentioned – but what is anodizing exactly?

What does anodizing mean?

Anodizing is a process that converts the surface of a non-ferrous metal into a corrosion-resistant, decorative, non-conductive oxide. It is a very common finishing technique for aluminum, although other metals such as titanium and magnesium can also be anodized. This process is common amongst several applications from aerospace to food services. Its ability to protect aircraft from corrosion and stray currents is vital to the success of the aerospace industry. Its high heat and corrosion resistance make for an ideal coating for food service. It is also commonly used in building materials, optics, defense, and medical industries.

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Platinum plating solutions provide countless benefits to the end-user, making it an extremely popular surface finishing option and an overall great investment for your applications, regardless of the industry you’re in.

Platinum plating is the deposit of a thin layer of platinum metal on a substrate, typically in the 0.5 to 5-micron range (0.00002”-0.0002”) and is commonly used in water purification, oil refining, automotive, energy production, and medical industries.

Pure platinum is a white metal, similar in appearance to silver. Although its occurrence is rare in nature, it can now be found in up to 20% of consumer goods produced around the world.

Platinum is one of the most ductile of pure metals and is also very malleable, though less so than gold. It does not tarnish in air or dissolve in most acids, and it has a very high melting point of 3,215 °F which makes it ideal for industrial applications. Continue Reading

Silvex was a proud supporter of National Surface Finishing Day this March, and is honored to have owner Dan Atkinson’s speech to the Silvex team members quoted in this month’s edition of Products Finishing Magazine! Continue Reading

Good finishing is imperative to keep firearms functioning properly and in pristine condition, protected from the elements, corrosion, and wear-and-tear from regular use.

Given the firearm industry’s stringent requirements, consistent high-quality firearm finishing is crucial to a successful project. With over 35 years of experience, Silvex provides advanced plating technologies to many of the industries prominent firearms manufacturers. All of our firearms finishes comply with military specifications. Continue Reading

WESTBROOK, Maine – Silvex Inc. is proud to announce that Products Finishing Magazine has named our business one the top 50 finishing companies in North America for the fourth consecutive year, making us the Top Shop Award winner for 2018. Continue Reading

Silvex, Inc. invites customers to visit their new website, which has been designed with an attractive interface and more intuitive user experience. Featuring streamlined navigation and simplified functionality throughout, the recently launched website allows users to easily access product information as well as helpful resources. Continue Reading

WESTBROOK, Maine – Silvex Surface Technology is proud to announce they have been awarded the prestigious title of one of the “Best Finishing Shops in America” by Products Finishing magazine, a popular industry-specific publication.
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