Frequently Asked Questions
about wire plating
Since 1760, Adolf Edelhoff has been synonymous with high-precision wire solutions and bespoke coating technologies. In our FAQs, you will find answers to frequently asked questions about materials, coating processes, technical capabilities and specific requirements.
How can I request a quote?
You can request a quote by telephone, email or via the contact form on our website.
What is wire plating and what are its benefits?
Wire coating is a process in which metal wires are coated with an additional protective or functional layer. The coating improves, for example, corrosion protection, functionality, electrical insulation, sliding properties or the mechanical strength of the wire, thereby extending its service life. As a reliable partner, Adolf Edelhoff offers bespoke wire finishing solutions.
What types of wire plating are there?
The most common processes include plastic coating, powder coating, electroplating, painting and special technical functional coatings for industrial applications. Our range of services at Adolf Edelhoff includes a wide variety of wire modifications, including electroplating (single-layer or multi-layer), hot-dip tinning (light hot-dip tinning, heavy hot-dip tinning or concentric hot-dip tinning) and specialised annealing processes. With a focus on quality assurance, we offer you bespoke solutions in the areas of temperature resistance, tarnish protection, fusion and knurling (2-sided or 4-sided), etc.
Which materials can be coated?
Depending on the process, a variety of alloys can be coated. The base materials used by Adolf Edelhoff include copper, copper alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, superconductors, steel/iron, stainless steel, composites, special alloys and shape memory alloys.
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What types of plating materials are available?
There is a wide variety of materials available. The main materials used for electroplating at Adolf Edelhoff are tin, bright tin, nickel, copper, silver, hard gold, fine gold, iron, palladium, tin/bismuth, tin/silver and tin/lead. For hot-dip tinning, various tin and tin alloys are available, such as tin, tin/silver/copper, tin/bismuth, tin/indium or tin/lead.
Is your desired coating material not listed here?
What wire diameters can be coated?
The possible wire diameters depend on the coating process used. Typically, both very fine wires and thicker industrial and special-purpose wires can be processed. Adolf Edelhoff coats round wires from Ø 0.028 mm to Ø 3.00 mm, profiled wires up to 3.00 mm² and flat wires up to 5.95 mm wide [BS1.1]. We thus cover the entire spectrum, from the finest speciality wires for medical technology to robust industrial wires. Special formats available on request.
What coating thicknesses are possible?
The plating thickness is tailored to individual technical requirements. Depending on the application, thin protective layers or thicker functional coatings (0.05–50 µm) are possible. At Adolf Edelhoff, electroplated coatings range from single-layer to complex multiple-layer combinations, some of which are produced using a sandwich process. This enables Adolf Edelhoff to apply several different coating layers in a controlled manner, and to manage and control the adhesion and diffusion between the individual layers. In the field of hot-dip tinning, Adolf Edelhoff offers light hot-dip tinning, heavy hot-dip tinning or concentric hot-dip tinning.
What is the difference between electroplating and hot-dip tinning?
In electroplating, the metal coating is deposited electrochemically from an electrolyte – this allows for very precise layer thicknesses from 0.05 µm and is suitable for the finest wires. In hot-dip tinning, the wire passes through a bath of molten tin or a tin alloy; the coatings are more robust and particularly easy to solder. Feindrahtwerk Adolf Edelhoff offers both processes and can advise you on which is the right one for your application.
What standards are Adolf Edelhoff’s products manufactured to?
The manufacture, testing and measurement of our finished products comply with the global requirements of DIN, MIL and ASTM standards. Here you will find a detailed overview of the standards applied.
What finishes are available for the wire?
There are various types of packaging. Adolf Edelhoff offers the most common types. These include containers, metal spools, plastic spools and wooden spools. Click here to view our packaging options.
Can small batches also be produced?
Yes. In addition to large-scale production runs, we can also handle small-batch production, sample runs and prototypes. Adolf Edelhoff also offers contract coating services. Click here to submit a bespoke enquiry.
How is the quality of the plating checked?
Quality is monitored, for example, through coating thickness measurements, adhesion tests, functional tests (solderability), corrosion tests and electrical testing methods. Adolf Edelhoff has its own analytical laboratory and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as ICP and HPLC for precise and rapid analysis of electroplating electrolytes. Adolf Edelhoff underpins its state-of-the-art metallography laboratory with high-performance digital microscopes, X-ray analysis and other advanced, AI-based measurement systems for comprehensive quality assurance. Furthermore, Adolf Edelhoff specialises in electroplating tests and the development of advanced coatings.
In which industries are plated wires used?
Plated wires are used in a range of sectors, including the automotive industry, industrial electronics, medical technology, photovoltaics and lighting technology, aerospace, the cable industry and musical instrument strings. Adolf Edelhoff is the partner of choice for numerous leading companies in these sectors.
What solutions does Adolf Edelhoff offer the music industry?
Adolf Edelhoff is the world market leader in the field of spun copper wire for grand and upright pianos. Adolf Edelhoff has been manufacturing high-quality wire for musical strings since 1760. Since then, Adolf Edelhoff has continually improved the quality of its spun copper wire for grand and upright piano strings. This is what the Degen Gold Plus brand stands for. Thanks to the exceptional purity and mechanical properties of the copper spinning wires, the strings manufactured by Adolf Edelhoff have an unrivalled sound. Furthermore, the surface has been specially treated to significantly inhibit copper oxidation – after all, the eye listens too.
How long does production take?
Adolf Edelhoff usually processes standard orders within 4 to 6 weeks, and sample orders often within 2 to 3 weeks. For urgent orders, we will assess on a case-by-case basis what is possible – please do not hesitate to contact us.
Can existing wires be coated at a later stage?
Yes. Many plating processes are also suitable for wires that have already been produced or further processed.
Which certifications does Adolf Edelhoff hold?
Adolf Edelhoff is certified to
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management System)
- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System)
- ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management)
- ISO 50001 (Energy Management System)
- MAQMSR (Minimum Automotive Quality Management System Requirements)
Are wire coatings sustainable?
Many modern coating processes are designed to ensure resource-efficient production and a long product lifespan. The coatings extend the service life of wires and reduce wear and tear as well as material consumption, and are therefore central to Adolf Edelhoff’s sustainability strategy, which has been implemented in line with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The recycling of coated wires, the responsible use of water resources, the promotion of health and safety beyond legal requirements, and the consideration of sustainability aspects in the development of supply chains underpin Adolf Edelhoff’s sustainability strategy. On the path to carbon neutrality, Adolf Edelhoff has achieved a 50% reduction in emissions since 2012.
Would you like to find out more about our services?
We offer bespoke solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Enquire now with no obligation.
Feindrahtwerk Adolf Edelhoff GmbH & Co. KG
Am Großen Teich 33 | 58640 Iserlohn | Deutschland
Tel.: +49 23 71/43 80-0
E-Mail: info@edelhoff-wire.de