SMB PLATING LIMITED
SMB offer a full Service Package to customers.
Collection/Delivery
- Standard 5 day turnaround.
- Same-day, Next-day, 48 hour, 72 hour and 96 hour by arrangement.
- A total 12 Tonne vehicle payload comprising 2 x 7.2 Tonne Iveco Trucks and 3 x 3.5 Tonne Relay Vans.
Quality
SMB combines the electroplating industry’s leading DataplateX Management System with the Hitachi Xstrata 920 XRF Spectrometer for non-destructive analysis and the Jenway 6305 Spectrophotometer for absorption, transmission and concentration analysis. Perpetual analysis allows SMB to offer full traceability.
SMB are contracted to the Royal Devonport Dockyard (Babcock International) and are intensively audited over 3-4 days on a 3 year cycle.
Capacity
For customer convenience SMB provides the flexibility of a 3 Shift System, where 2 Shifts run permanently and 1 Shift is on standby to increase capacity by 33%.
Pricing
Our preference is to work with customers to fully understand their requirements and then develop the process that achieves the best specification available at the most competitive price. Ideally, getting involved at the design and specification stages would enable us to input the technical and logistical capabilities available within our processing, into the customers final part requirement.
About SMB
2003 – SMB Plating established with 2 Units in Launceston, Cornwall.
2005 – In a reverse takeover, acquired Plym Plating Works Ltd. in Plymouth, Devon.
2023 – Closed 2 Units in Launceston and centralised the business at the 16,000 sq ft site in Plymouth.
SMB Plating offer a wide range of Treatments
Zinc (Alkaline)
Standard industry finish which prevents oxidisation of ferrous metals by forming a barrier and will sacrifice itself if that barrier is damaged
Zinc Nickel
Zn-NI coatings provide 10 times more corrosion resistance than zinc and are on a par with cadmium. Additionally, Zn-Ni deposits are uniform and provide a consistent protective layer across the entire surface.
Bright Nickel
Used for enhanced corrosion protection, wear resistance and decorative appearance.
Electroless Nickel
Requires no electrical current which results in a uniform coating both externally and internally. With a hardness of 45-49Rc (HV450-500) and a heat treatment capability of 66-70 RC (HV865-1050) this finish can often be used as a replacement for high alloy materials and hard chrome.
Trivalent Chrome
Has replaced Hexavalent Chrome which is carcinogenic and now only usable by existing REACH licence holders.
Trivalent Chrome has better “throw” into recessed areas, gives a more uniform thickness and does not plate excessively thick deposits in high current density areas which can result in cracks and burns.
Tin (Alkaline)
Protects both ferrous and non-ferrous surfaces. Used in electronics to protect the base metal from oxidation whilst preserving solderability. The excellent ductility allows parts to be re-formed without damage to the tin layer.
Anodising
Increases the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of aluminium parts to increases hardness, corrosion resistance and wear resistance.
Standard – Range 8 to 25 microns. Available in Clear, Black, Gold, Red and Blue.
Semi-Hard – Operates at lower temperatures to achieve a range of 25 to 50 microns . Available in Clear and Grey/Black.
Hard – Operates at even lower temperatures to achieve a range of 50-100 microns. Available in Clear and Grey/Black.
Aluminium Conversion Coatings
For corrosion protection of aluminium and aluminium alloys. Used as a corrosion protection prior to painting, as a provider of electrical resistance or just as a cosmetic appearance
Stainless Steel Passivation
Removes free iron and impurities from the surface and leaves the surface rich in chrome
Phosphating (Class1 Manganese)
A conversion coating which when applied to ferrous metals will create a crystalline finish on the surface and provide corrosion resistance, lubricity or a base for future coating.
Treatment not shown?
SMB is very receptive to working with customers/new customers to add to the portfolio.
SMB Plating News
SMB were early adopters of Trivalent Chrome which replaced carcinogenic Hexavalent Chrome now only usable by existing REACH licence holders.
Following extensive trials and analysis the finish of our Trivalent Black Zinc is currently considered the best in the industry. Our innovation was rewarded with a substantial R&D Relief refund from HMRC.
We have successfully trialled with a prestigious customer a new £150,000 process line to plate Electroless Nickel onto Aluminium.