Copper Plating Lines in Automotive Parts: Corrosion Resistance & Conductivity Solutions

2025-03-01

Automotive Component Requirements

• Connectors: ≥5μm thickness, resistivity <2.5μΩ·cm;

• Brake substrates: Adhesion ≥15MPa (ASTM B571);

• Sensor housings: 720-hour salt spray resistance (ISO 9227).

Customized Line Configuration

1. Enhanced pretreatment:

   • Ultrasonic cleaning (40kHz) + alkaline electrolytic degreasing (pH 10-12), surface roughness Ra<0.8μm;

2. Multi-layer plating:

   • Cyanide copper pre-plating (1-2μm) → acid copper (10-15μm) → micro-crack chromium (0.3μm);

3. Automated post-treatment:

   • 3-stage counterflow rinsing → hot-air drying (80°C±5°C) → XRF thickness testing.

Industry Case

A German automotive supplier achieved:

• 22% lower connector resistance;

• 60% less wastewater (closed-loop system);

• IATF 16949 certification and Tesla Tier 2 status.