It’s Not Done Until It’s Finished

Craftsmen have been manipulating the surface of metal components for millennia. And the practice of coating one type of metal with a thin layer of another is almost as old. New techniques have made both processes more versatile and more efficient than ever.

Electroplating, the process of using electricity to deposit a metal coating on a base metal of a different kind, was pioneered in the early 1800s. By the end of that century, electroplated items were in every home: silver-plated flatware, nickel-plated brass plumbing, brass-plated steel hardware. Chrome plating defined the Art Deco movement of the 20^th century, and Smith & Wesson’s nickel-plated revolver became a television and film icon.

Modern vibratory deburring and blasting — with sand, aluminum oxide, steel shot or other media — smooths and textures surfaces. And high-speed polishing and buffing equipment can bring metal surfaces to nearly any degree of shine.

Smith & Wesson’s plating and finishing capabilities were designed for firearms, but have well served customers in the medical device, automotive and defense industries as well.

We’re capable of handling a wide range of component sizes and types — from small springs to large forgings. Together with our capabilities in engineering, metallurgy, process development, forging and heat treating, we offer one-stop capabilities for manufacturers with complex components and demanding tolerances.

Our full capabilities are listed here. Learn more about our other manufacturing services here. And to discuss how our capabilities can help you, contact us.