HomeWe provide fully automated electro-plating lines for surface treatment of integrated circuits, consumer electronics, home appliances, automotive components, and medical parts. Our 50+ year experience brings you the benefit of easy to use, customized, compact, and cost-efficient plating equipment with minimum maintenance requirement. Our strengths are experience, customization, and reliable lead time.
Backed by patented technology and rich experience as a plating solution provider, we introduced our first automated plating equipment to PCB and electronics manufacturers in 1992. This innovative technology won us South Korea’s President Award that year. Today our plating lines are installed worldwide at plants making mobile phones, PCBs, automotive parts, and consumer electronics. The uniform plating thickness achieved by our electroplating and electroless plating lines minimizes chemical solution waste and post-process grinding work.
Automatic Rack, Barrel and Reel-to-Reel Plating Lines
Electroplating or surface finish treatment has been widely adopted to produce a broad range of industrial coatings for both decorative and functional applications. Electroplated nickel is used on integrated circuits, microprocessors, and connectors to produce high solderability and corrosion resistance. In addition, it helps prevent short circuits and improves electrical conductivity.
Our range of automated electroplating equipment includes rack, barrel, and reel-to-reel plating lines, which contain carriers and barrel moving solutions to increase process efficiency and productivity. All of our systems are equipped with PLC touchscreens that allow user control over initiating and managing dip time per tank, carrier transfer, and other processes.
We provide electroplating solutions and equipment to a wide range of global clientele who manufacture mobile phones, semiconductors, automotive components, consumer electronics, and PCBs. We have installed fully and semi-automated equipment lines for 143 clients at over 300 plants across the globe. The project history below summarizes our surface treatment equipment and automated line experience since 1970.
Electroplating Line Layout
Plate-on-Plastics | Applications | Processes
Plating on ABS Applications:
- Home appliance parts including refrigerator and washing machine exterior parts such as trims, door grills, handles and buttons, and TV frames.
- Automotive exterior and interior parts: trim, handles, emblems.
- Electronics parts
Plating on ABS Processes:
- Ni-Cr ABS Coating
- Ni-3-Cr Plating
- Ni-Au Plating
- ABS Plating with Direct Trivalent + Hexavalent
Plating on PCB Applications:
- Semiconductors
- PCBs
Plating on PCB Processes:
- Electroless Nickel Electroless Palladium Immersion Gold (ENEPIG)
- Soft ENIG Process
- Tin Process
- Electroless Copper Process
- ENEPIG Ni-Au
- PATTERN Cu
- ENAG Ni-Au
- Electro Ni-Au
- Pattern Copper Plating
- Plate-Thru-Hole (PTH) Plating
Plate-on-Metal | Applications | Processes
Plating on Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum and Alloy Applications:
- Automotive components: engine components, shafts, piston pins, shock absorbers, cylinders, brake pistons and gears, turbochargers, and fuel systems
- Motorcycle: brake calipers and wheels
- Razor blades
Plating on Metal Processes
- Hard Chrome Anodizing
- Electrolytic Zinc-Nickel
- Electroless Nickel Plating: Nickel Chloride Base and Nickel Sulfate Base
- Cu-Cu-Ni-Cr Plating
Other Surface Treatment Line Applications and Processes:
- Desmear for PCB
- Plating on rubber for automotive wipers
We offer two types of solutions for electroless nickel plating, one with a nickel chloride base and the other with a nickel sulfate base. Electrolytic zinc-nickel and electroless nickel-plating solutions are used to plate on metals and are effective for corrosion protection.
Vertical Type Continuous Copper and Nickel Electroplating Line for HDI, FPC, and FPCB Coating
The vertical type continuous plating lines are fully automated and maintain strict thickness uniformity copper and nickel coating solutions. They are designed to be used with both insoluble and soluble anodes. Copper and nickel electroplating lines are frequently used for mass manufacturing production lines of integrated circuits, microprocessors, and connectors. For example, nickel plating is applied to FPCB insulation to minimize electric signal breakage by preventing whiskers.
Our exemplary clients who are currently using the vertical type Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold plating line include Korea Circuit, LG Innotek, Interflex, and Samsung Electronics.
The plating systems are enclosed with fire-resistant materials and the exhaust systems are connected to all chemical tanks to ensure a safe environment.
Fire-Resistant Enclosure Material for Automatic Plating Systems
The plating tank is installed with mixing eductors on the side that create solution uniformity and allow fast chemical distribution to the surface and holes.
Tank Mixing Eductor
The Pre-Treatment Tank is equipped with ultrasonic and shocking devices. They quickly and efficiently remove grease, dirt, and any polishing pastes from metal and plastic pieces. They clean not only the surface of these metal and plastic pieces but also any hidden areas for better adherence to the electrolytic coating.
Below are some of our customized hangers and top racks. Our equipment uses RFID technology to monitor and correct issues with the hangers. Malfunctioning hangers are automatically unloaded and replaced with a good hanger upon detection.
Plating Line Over Head Racks
The Bolted Cathode Rail for Hanger Traveling
RFID Bad Hanger Ejection System
Horizontal Type Plating Line for Electroless Copper Process for PCB Surface Treatment
This equipment with a horizontal transportation mode is best suited for high-end HDI and IC substrates manufacturing plating lines. All our lines are equipped with an energy-efficient process: double layer cover over the drying zone that conserves 20% power, and automatic switch-off of the power and water supply when the line is idle for a set period of time. Please check Horizontal Electroplating Lines for line layout and overview.
Automated Anodizing Hard Chrome Plating for Automotive Shafts and Piston Rods
Electroless nickel coatings are a popular anti-corrosion solution against salt and in harsh environments. They are used to protect the surfaces and extend the service life of crucial automotive components such as fuel systems, transmission parts, and engine components, which are affected by regular use and exposure to elevated temperatures.
In addition to electroless nickel plating, hard chrome anodizing is another popular surface treatment for crucial automotive parts such as shafts and piston rods. S&T Motiv, an automotive shock absorber manufacturer, uses our chrome plating line for surface treatment of piston rods.
Our hard chrome anodizing line is built with 3 main priorities: safety, saving, and easy maintenance. The line is equipped with remote monitoring systems using sensors and programmed alarms, that can be easily integrated with your existing Manufacturing Execution Systems. They gather and analyze real-time data about temperature, dipping time, electric currents, recipes, motors and actuators, and pumps, filters, and exhaust systems. Any abnormality in these monitored items triggers the alarms. In order to minimize downtime due to the alarms, the operator’s HMI monitoring screen is integrated with a control system that analyzes the alarm history to prevent them and schedule maintenance in advance.
The filter housing is specially designed for easy maintenance using a combined residual sludge drain system with an Outlet-Inlet-Drain process. When the filter cartridge is being replaced the housing can be easily cleaned with water, which minimizes residual sludge and increases filtration efficiency.
At the bottom of our lines, we install leak sensors, with drip plates and leak detecting dikes underneath the entire line. We also offer the option of pull-type exhaust systems connected to the plating tanks, in addition to the push-type. These dual exhaust systems are monitored by digital sensors, which are installed by the enclosed door of the line. If the pressure falls below the setting point due to faulty exhaust systems, alarms are activated, and the door is shut with interlocks.
Plating Line Exhaust System Monitoring System
Remote Monitoring and Controlling with Real-Time Data
Our plating systems provide savings on water, floor footage, and solutions, due to our vast experience with system design and patented technologies in cleaning devices and wastewater filtering systems. Customized transportation tooling and layouts and prototyping testing services are available at your request.
We also have several pilot testing lines at our facility to test the 3D model of the line structure, in order to optimize line production lead time and line setup time.
Electroplating Pilot Line
Final Finish Pilot Line
Copper Plating Pilot Line
Automated Electroplating Line Video
Plating Chemical Analysis Equipment
Our testing facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art testing machines and devices to ensure plating quality and chemical uniformity.
Plating Quality Testing Equipment
- X-ray Plating Thickness Meter
- Film Thickness Meter
- Salt Spray Testing Machine
- Gloss Meter
- Contact Angle Meter
- Mechanical Polisher
- Ion-beam Polisher
- MIT Insertion Tester
- Reflow Machine (Belt-type)
- Reflow Oven (Box-type)
- Wire Bonder
- Dage-400
Plating Chemical Analysis Equipment
- SEM/EDX
- 3D Microscope
- CVS (Copper Plating Chemical Analysis)
- UV-Vis (Ultraviolet Spectrometer)
- IC (Ion Chromatography)
- Inductively Coupled Plasma
- HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
- AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer)
Horizontal Electroplating Lines
Desmear
- Plating line with sliding transfer system for 0.036 mm PCB panels
- Sweller and permanganate tanks made of 316L stainless steel
- Automatic cleaning system for chemical residue left in the permanganate tank.
- Energy-efficient process: 4 filters to prevent nozzle clogging, double layer cover over the drying zone that conserves 20% power, and automatic switch-off of the power and water supply when the line is idle for a set period of time.
Electroless Copper Plating Line
- Plating line with sliding transfer system for 0.036 mm PCB panels
- Designed to minimize copper deposit build-up on the plating tank and pipes
- Contains a circulation system that conserves Palladium in the activation process at the pre-treatment stage
- Energy-efficient process: 4 filters to prevent nozzle clogging, double layer cover over the drying zone that conserves 20% power, and automatic switch-off of the power and water supply when the line is idle for a set period of time.
DES Line
- Plating line with sliding transfer system for 0.036 mm PCB panels
- Performs vacuum etching process with 97% or higher uniformity, due to embedded sprays with horizontal swivel movements
- Spray nozzle service life: 2 years
- Rolls used to remove film up to 70%
- Knife type nozzle removes residue and air dries at high pressure
- Energy-efficient process: 4 filters to prevent nozzle clogging and automatic switch-off of the power and water supply when the line is idle for a set period.
JET Master Equipment
- Plating line with sliding transfer system for 0.036 mm PCB panels
- Grinding grease spray system for quick and easy maintenance, with anti-wear UPE spray pump heads and specially designed sidewalls that prevent leaks
- 5 stage separation of water and grinding grease to conserve silicon carbide
- Contains transfer gear cleaner to extend gear life and transfer rolling wheel made of NBR
- Energy-efficient process: 4 filters to prevent nozzle clogging, double layer cover over the drying zone that conserves 20% power, and automatic switch-off of the power and water supply when the line is idle for a set period of time.
Pro Treatment Equipment
- Plating line with sliding transfer system for 0.036 mm PCB panels
- Spraying tray moves horizontally to create uniformity using a fan-shaped spray nozzle with a 5-year service life
- Knife type nozzle removes residue and air dries at high pressure
- Energy-efficient process: 4 filters to prevent nozzle clogging, double layer cover over the drying zone that conserves 20% power, and automatic switch-off of the power and water supply when the line is idle for a set period of time.
Organic Solderability Preservative Equipment
- Plating line with sliding transfer system for 0.036 mm PCB panels
- Dip zones designed to extend chemical solution life
- Quick assemble and disassemble design of spray nozzles for easy maintenance
- Knife type nozzle removes residue and air dries at high pressure
- Energy-efficient process: 4 filters to prevent nozzle clogging, double layer cover over the drying zone that conserves 20% power, and automatic switch-off of the power and water supply when the line is idle for a set period of time.
Business Case: Automated Electroless and Electro-Plating Lines for Electronics and Microcircuits Component Manufacturer
A global manufacturer of components for electronics and microcircuits assemblies wanted to upgrade their manual plating line to an automated electroplating and electroless plating line in order to increase production capacities. Their Al, Ni or gold-plated products are supplied to companies making PCB boards, electronics, testing equipment in telecommunications and semiconductor industries.
We suggested a fully automated electroplating and electroless plating line that was customized for the client’s plating plant layout, production needs, current racks and barrels, and chemical solutions from Technic, MacDermid Enthone, and Brenntag.
A key consideration was the constraint of the client’s plating plant layout. An automated plating line with a shared shuttle system between processes would save considerable space compared to having a separate line for each step in the plating process.
We provided a design for an automated plating line layout with 4 processes: (1) aluminum plating process with electroless nickel plating, (2) gold plating with nickel strike layering, (3) cleaning, and (4) sub-layer plating. Since the client used both electroplating and electroless plating for a wide range of product sizes, shapes and materials, the automated line had a separate control system per process, as shown below:
Second, the client wanted to continue using their existing racks and barrels, which measure 25” x 25” and 10-15 lbs when fully loaded and between 2.5” x 4” to 6” x 6”, respectively. Our custom solution incorporated loading jigs that enabled the shuttle transferring system to work with client’s existing barrels and racks. Moreover, an automatic hanger ejection system was added to automatically separate a transferring hanger with a defective barrel from the other hangers.
Third, in addition to an advanced machine monitoring system, all our automated plating lines are also equipped with features that prevent nozzle clogging, conserve energy by automatically shutting off idle lines, and extend the lifespan of plating equipment. Our plating lines also give our client superior monitoring and control with PLC touchscreens that transmit real-time data wirelessly from the plating line to the control center and integrate easily with existing manufacturing execution systems.
Finally, sensors, alarm-activated interlocks and closed-in doors are incorporated into all our plating equipment to protect workers’ safety around the plating line.
The client’s needs for a fully automated plating line that integrates well with their current plating racks and barrels, chemical solutions, and plant floor layout allowed us to demonstrate our core strengths of expertise, customization, and reliable lead time.
We have been providing customized electroplating and electroless plating line solutions since 1970 with a clientele that includes Samsung Electronics, LG Innotek, and Interflex. To learn more about our customized plating solutions, please contact us with your own plating line specifications.