Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find the answers to some frequently asked questions. If you don't find the answer to your question, please don't hesitate to .
(*
Most Common FAQ)
About Electroplating
Different Colour Finishes
Items for Electroplating
Charges
Surface Treatment
Delivery
Contact Details
About Electroplating
What is Electroplating?
Electroplating is the coating of
an electrically conductive item with a layer of
metal using electrical current. The result is
a thin, smooth, even coat of metal on the object.
The process used in electroplating
is called electrodeposition. The item to be coated
is placed into a container containing a solution
of one or more metal salts. The item is connected
to an electrical circuit, forming the anode or
the cathode of the circuit. When an electrical
current is passed through the circuit, metal ions
in the solution are attracted to the item. The
result is an evenly-coated layer of metal around
the item. This process is analogous to a galvanic
cell acting in reverse.
The plating is most commonly a single
metallic element, not an alloy. However, some
alloys can be electrodeposited, notably brass.
What surfaces can you
Electroplate onto?
Metal plating onto metal and composite substrates. Most common, but not limited to:
Ferrous
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Non-Ferrous
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Non-Metallic |
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Mild Steel |
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High Speed Steel |
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Stainless Steel |
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Stainless Steel Alloys |
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Cast Iron |
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High-Carbon Steel |
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High Tensile Steel |
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Aluminium |
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Aluminium Alloys |
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Nickel |
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Nickel Alloys |
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Copper |
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Copper Alloys |
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Beryllium Copper |
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Lead |
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Zinc |
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Tin |
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Titanium |
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Composites |
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How Large an Object can you Electroplate?
We have the capacity to accommodate components
up to 8ft in length.
Different Colour Finishes
Can you Match any Colour?
In addition to the wide range of metal colours that F.H.Lambert have to offer, there is also the facility to custom match the metal finishing, plating, and coating of any sample that you may have.
F.H.Lambert have the resources and expertise to custom match any competitive finish.
What Colours do you do?
Our standard colour list includes:
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- - |
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For regarding Colours, go to Metal Finishing - Decorative Metal Plating in the Services section of the website.
Items for Electroplating
Typcially, what items do you plate?
Nearly anything that is metallic! This is an example taken of the typical items we plate:
| Typical Examples : |
| Aircraft Decor |
Clocks |
| Seat Belt Latches |
Pens |
| Cup Holders |
Hinges |
| Switch Panals |
Watches |
| Latches |
Air Gushers |
Ash Trays |
Ajustable Light Fitments |
| Sinks |
Classic Car Parts; bumpers, grills, headlamps |
| Taps |
Musical Instruments |
| Technical Components |
Jewellery |
| Jugs, Pots |
Cutlery |
Charges
How much does it cost to plate an item?
There are important considerations that need to be issued:
| 1. |
Dimensions of the Items
i.e. Surface Area Calculation in Square Inches |
| 2. |
Type of Metal Finishing and Metal Plating Process
For example; Polished, or Satin 24K Gold |
| 3. |
Plating Thickness
For example; 0.5μm, or 1μm of 14K Gold - Polished |
| 4. |
Additional Pre-Treatment/ Surface Protection
For example; Stripping, Dent Removal, Copper Levelling, Gloss Clear Coat Lacquering, or any Repair & Restoration work that you feel is necessary to enhance the value and appearance of the item. |
| 5. |
Item Substrate
For example; Brass, or Aluminium |
| 6. |
Item Quantity |
We provide you with a guide estimate (ballpark figure) and then a final quotation once we have the necessary information in relation to your items.
What are the Minimum Order Charges?
We provide you with a free guide estimate (ballpark figure) and then a free final quotation once we have the necessary information in relation to your items.
We accept the following:
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Cash |
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All Major Debit/ Credit Cards |
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Cheque |
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BACs Transfer |
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Digital Online Bank Transfer |
Surface Treatment
My item is worn/ old and in need of repairing prior to it being plated, can you do this?
Yes. It would be refurbished, repaired, repolished, dent removal, then cleaned/degreased prior to it being plated. FHLambert is a leader in providing custom metal restoration and plating services to valued customers.
Unfortunately no. For the most part all electroplating processes will make surface imperfections in the metal item even more noticeable.
For best results, all objects should be polished and cleaned, and then pre-treatment can be applied. Copper prior to plating gives a very even levelling deposit, which is mallable enough for polishing. Thus, eliminating pits and scrathes. We can provide that additional service if your item requires it.
Yes. Any previous old plating would be removed first however, it would then be refurbished, polished and cleaned prior to plating.
Delivery
How long does it take to have an item(s) plated and returned to a customer?
We like to say anywhere from 5-10 working days for completion.
In most cases however, it can be 1-5 working days depending on quantity and the extent to what is involved on implementation.
F.H.Lambert operate an that is dedicated for manufacturing and completion centres. Items can be plated and dispatched within 24/48 hours, ensuring an immediate response and prompt turnaround, meeting the requirements and expectations of the aviation industry.
We use Courier companys to ship goods nationwide. These can be insured at the customers expense. Arrangements can also be made for Next Day Delivery and certain Time Intervals can be aggreed prior to dispatch.
For Local Deliveries we can arrange ourselves for dispatching goods. We have a Van which is used daily for pick-up and deliverys.
For special international rush orders we ship goods via FedEx Overnight at an additional charge. All shipping costs are paid by the customer.
Contact Details
How do I contact you?
Any way you want. You may write to us, email us or pick up the phone and call us. It’s your choice and we’re always happy to hear from you.
For more information on contacting us please navigate to the section on this web site.
F.H.Lambert Limited
Watford West Works
85a Hagden Lane
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 7UA
UNITED KINGDOM
| International Telephone: |
0044
1923 229 444 |
| International Facsimile: |
0044
1923 255 717 |
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| National Telephone: |
01923 229 444 |
| National Facsimile: |
01923 255 717 |
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| Email: |
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To ask a question, please navigate to the
section on this web site.
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