Copper is another popular plating metal for applications that require high conductivity and cost efficiency. Copper plating often serves as a strike coating pretreatment for subsequent metal platings. It is also a popular plating metal for electronics components such as printed-circuit boards. High-plating efficiency and low material cost make copper one of the less expensive metals to plate with.
There are three types of copper plating processes—alkaline, mildly alkaline and acid. Higher alkaline levels deliver superior throwing power, but require lower current densities and enhanced safety precautions. Health inspectors have linked cyanide in alkaline copper baths to certain health hazards, so it’s important to monitor these levels.