finishing-and-treatment-manufacturing-processes > Rhodium Plating

Rhodium Plating is a process which adds a layer of rhodium onto the surface of a metal to increase its scratch resistance and improve its visual appearance.

Rhodium is an extremely brittle precious metal which provides a shiny and reflective appearance when plated onto a metal. Rhodium Plating will never discolour or tarnish, and its resistance to scratching makes it ideal for a decorative finish on jewellery.

The process of Rhodium Plating is normally performed using electroplating to create a coating thickness typically between 0.75 and 1.5 microns.

Applications where Rhodium Plating are used include electronics and jewellery. However, due to its brittleness, it is only possible to use rhodium as a plating material rather than a complete component.