Comparison charts

How the brush plating process compares with conventional repair methods — and a guide to the deposit materials we use, their hardness and typical applications.

Brush plating vs. other repair methods

Criteria	Brush Plating	Welding	Metallizing	Electroplating
Precise Build-up Capability	Excellent	Poor	Poor	Fair to Good
Bond Quality	Excellent	Excellent	Fair to Good	Good
Thermal Distortion or Internal Stresses	None	Frequently	Sometimes	None
Density of Deposit (Porosity)	Very Dense*	Very dense but with blow holes	70–90% theoretical density	Dense
Portable	Yes	Yes	Sometimes	No
Need for Post Repair Machining or Grinding	Not required on deposits up to .010-.005in. on a smooth surface	Always required	Most always required	Usually required
Hydrogen Embrittlement	No*	No	No	No

* Deposits are approximately 25% and 790% less porous than electroplated and metallized coatings respectively.

ECM deposit materials

Deposit Material	Rockwell Hardness	Application
Cobalt Machinable	40 Rc	Heavy metal build-up, particularly in the repair of over-machined parts.
Copper (heavy build alkaline)	24 Rc	Fills pits and scores; repairs parts not subject to extreme heat or wear.
Nickel Acid High Build	55 Rc	Build-up of over-machined parts subject to wear and/or heat.
Nickel High Speed	52 Rc	Build-up and resizing of worn or over-machined parts.
Nickel Tungsten	68 Rc	Hard, wear-resistant finish over other deposits.
Nickel Cobalt	58 Rc	Build-up and resizing of parts subject to wear and above-normal heat.
Cadmium LHE**	40 Rc	Corrosion protection of aircraft parts on ultra high-strength steel.

Not sure which method fits?

Send us the part details and damage description — we will confirm whether brush plating is the right repair and specify the deposit material.