Plating

Definition and Overview

Plating is a process that forms a thin metal film on the surface of metal parts. For press fasteners and eyelet washers, it is used not only to improve the appearance of the parts, but also to protect the base metal and reduce discoloration and corrosion during use.

Plating is not the name of the fastener itself. It is one of the finishes applied to press fasteners, spring hooks, jumper hooks, cap snap buttons, eyelet washers, cap and close posts, and similar items, and it is specified separately from the part shape and function.

Materials and Part Composition

Metal trims are often made from brass, iron, or zinc alloy with plating applied to the base material. However, even if they look the same color, strength, corrosion resistance, and aging behavior are not necessarily the same if the base material, undercoat treatment, or surface film type differs.

Press fasteners generally consist of multiple parts, such as the visible head on the front side, the socket, the spring or ring, and the post. It is important to check whether the color and surface treatment of each part match and whether the combined parts are as specified.

How to Indicate Size and Selection

The color name or finish name of plating does not indicate the size of the part. The size of a press fastener or eyelet washer is checked by the dimensions and combinations defined for each part, such as outer diameter, inner diameter, post length, and compatible textile thickness.

Even if the visible outer diameter is the same, the part cannot be fixed properly if the post length or socket specification differs. When selecting a plating specification, first confirm the type of fastener to be used, the compatible parts, and the thickness after attachment, then choose the color and finish within the same standard.

• Total thickness of the attachment area, including the textile and interlining
• Type and standard of each part used on the front and back sides
• Dimensions such as outer diameter, inner diameter, and post length
• Surrounding trims that need to be matched to the same color tone

How It Is Attached and Main Applications

Hammer-on press fasteners, eyelet washers, and cap and close posts are attached using a setting tool that matches the target part and a hand press or press machine. If the shape of the setting tool or the pressure does not match, it can cause surface scratches, deformation, poor fastening, or detachment.

Metal trims with plated finishes are used for outerwear, shirts, pants, denim, bags, uniforms, and similar products. Depending on the application, consider not only the decorative color tone, but also the opening and closing frequency, tensile load, and exposure to washing, sweat, and rain.

Quality Notes

If the textile is too thin, the post will not be stable and detachment or tearing of the textile is more likely. Conversely, if the attachment area is too thick, the post may be too short to be properly set. Perform trial setting with the actual specification, including the textile, interlining, and seam allowance.

Discoloration, clouding, and corrosion may occur in plating due to moisture, sweat, detergent, friction, storage conditions, and other factors. For products that undergo post-processing such as product washing or stone washing, confirm in advance any appearance changes or loss of part function caused by the processing conditions.

Surface treatments and undercoat treatments that contain nickel may require consideration of contact effects. For products that require a nickel-free indication, confirm the scope and determination criteria with the part supplier and perform testing if necessary. Whether needle detector compatible is required should also be decided at the planning stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the plating color is the same, can different press fastener parts be combined?

That is not recommended. Even if the color tone is similar, the head, spring, stud, and post differ in dimensions and setting structure from part to part. Using any combination other than the specified one may cause poor fastening, faulty opening and closing, deformation, or detachment.

Do plated parts rust during washing?

Plating is used to reduce corrosion, but it does not completely prevent rust or discoloration. Results vary depending on the base material, plating specification, detergent, sweat, seawater, insufficient drying, and product processing. It is important to verify the product in advance under conditions close to the actual washing and processing conditions.

Do nickel-free and needle detector compatible mean the same thing?

No, they do not mean the same thing. Nickel-free indicates a specification related to nickel, while needle detector compatible is a specification related to detection by a needle detector. Depending on the application and the requirements of the customer, confirm the scope, verification method, and required documents separately for each.