DENTAL PLATING SOLUTIONS
Solutions We've Pioneered
ProPlate’s dedicated new product development team supports new medical device projects from concept through commercialization through our proven process roadmap.
ProPlate® has a library of solutions for a wide range of parts and industries. We are always pleased to take on new challenging projects.
Below are a few examples of our Dental Plating Solutions we have pioneered.
Our robust metallizing processes are thoroughly designed and maintained to ensure the highest quality standards. Medical Device Quality System: ISO 13485:2016 Certified
Arch Wires
Gold & Rhodium Plated Arch Wires
Client- Orthodontic Products and Supplies OEM
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The Product
Orthodontic Arch Wires
Besides longevity, functional performance, and aesthetics, bio-compatibility is the fourth requirement for dental supply materials. Gold plated Nickel-Titanium (Ni-Ti) arch forms offer both the durability and life of Ni-Ti, and the aesthetics of gold, while still being bio-compatible and corrosion-resistant. Similarly, gold-plated stainless steel (SS) arch forms offer both the durability and life of SS, and the aesthetics of gold, while still being bio-compatible and corrosion-resistant.
The Challenge
Gold plating onto SS is a well-documented and understood process. However, gold plating onto Ni-Ti is not. The main challenge for this project was to achieve adhesion between the nickel-titanium and the gold. Also, there needed to be an efficient method and apparatus in order to plate production quantities of the wires without creating any plating voids from contact.
The Engineered Solution
After a complete analysis of the manufacturing process, a special bath was installed at ProPlate®. This bath was used for a unique preparation of the parts. Customized chemistry was developed that effectively activated the Ni-Ti for gold plating. This new process enabled ProPlate® to achieve full adhesion between the nickel-titanium and the gold, whereas before, it was only partial adhesion at best. Professional Plating, Inc also tooled a custom rack to efficiently plate the wires without any plating voids, which helped drive the overall cost and defect rate down.
The Benefit
- Bio-Compatible & Corrosion Resistance
- Adhesion to Ni-Ti
- Consistent Color
ProPlate® partners with medical technology companies to develop innovations through unique metal coating technologies that drive commercial success and result in improved patient outcomes.
The Product
Orthodontic Brackets
Besides longevity, functional performance, and aesthetics, bio-compatibility is a fourth essential requirement for dental supply materials. Rhodium or gold plated stainless steel (SS) brackets offer both the durability and life of SS while still being bio-compatible and corrosion-resistant. Gold offers pleasing aesthetics, and rhodium’s “white-metal” appearance is excellent for matching dental enamel and ceramics.
The Challenge
The challenge was consistently color matching the rhodium and gold electroplating with the customer’s specific expectations.
Even when parts are within the required specifications, the final aesthetic appearance of electroplating can vary widely depending on the degree of process control.
The Engineered Solution
After a complete analysis of the manufacturing process, a special bath was installed at ProPlate®. This bath was used for a unique preparation of the parts. Customized chemistry was developed that effectively activated the Ni-Ti for gold plating. This new process enabled ProPlate® to achieve full adhesion between the nickel-titanium and the gold, whereas before, it was only partial adhesion at best. Professional Plating, Inc also tooled a custom rack to efficiently plate the wires without any plating voids, which helped drive the overall cost and defect rate down.
ProPlate® worked closely with the engineers at the OEM to determine the aesthetic requirements for the brackets. After a complete analysis of the plating process and numerous trials were run, results from the trials were shared with the OEM to reach the desired appearance. With a unique set of plating layers, a custom plating process was developed to ensure consistent gold and rhodium color. Additionally, process controls were instilled to ensure the color variation remained within customer requirements.
The Benefit
- Bio-Compatible
- Corrosion Resistance
- Consistent Color
Contact us to request information about our plating and metal finishing services
We Are Dedicated to Partnering With Our Customers
Professional Plating Inc. has specialized in engineered coating solutions for the medical industry for more than 35 years. The company works with customers from the prototype development stage through production to create custom electroplating solutions designed for unique requirements. ProPlate® has pioneered selective precious metal plating innovations for medical devices and applications such as balloon catheters, radiopaque markers, and catheter-based components and continues to be an industry-leading electroplater.
