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Platinum Plating On Titanium 

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I'm looking for information about plating platinum on some small to medium sized titanium parts. The platinum is required for corrosion resistance not appearance. Good adhesion is critical. Any suggestions are welcome.

Bob B [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Rochester New York

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Dear Bob

Plating titanium with platinum is usually done in melt of salts (KCN and K2Pt(CN)4), using the titanium as cathode and platinum as an anode. There are very few firms that use this process for making anodes e.g. for chrome baths. You can ask also suppliers for platinum plated titanium anodes for chrome baths where they plate them and maybe you find someone there who can plate your parts,too.

Good luck
Marcus

Marcus Hahn
- Sachseln, Switzerland

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Plating on to metals like titanium, zirconium, uranium, etc, that are very oxygen active is often done with ion plating, a PVD process. In some cases a "strike" is put on by ion plating and the coating built up by electroplating.

Donald M. Mattox Society of Vacuum Coaters Albuquerque, New Mexico   Ed. note:             Mr. Mattox is             the author of --

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Bob,

Electroless platinum plating technology might be applicable to your particular situation. A nickel strike may be required in order to get good adhesion onto the substrate. Good luck with your search.

Jeff Venarsky
- Jerseyville, Illinois

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Ed. note: Letters 259 and 35217 also address electroless platinum plating.

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Dear Mr.Bob B.,

We electrodeposit platinum on titanium with plating thickness up to 10 micron with a good adhesion properties.

H.H.Madhani
plating shop - Pune, MH, India

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March 19, 2011 -- this entry appended to this thread by editor in lieu of spawning a duplicative thread

I'm a PhD student with access to a chemistry lab and potentiostat.

I'm a PhD student looking to save money on my wedding ring by buying a titanium ring and electroplating platinum(I intend to buy the real thing for my bride).

I have very little experience of electroplating. Can anyone give me advice on what chemicals I would need and how to go about this. I have the option of buying a titanium ring with either a polished or satin finish. What would be best to give a white finish? How could I ensure that the electroplated layer adheres well?

Please only advise if you are familiar with the process.

Thanks for the help.

Dan Melling
student - United Kingdom