Electroplating processes expose masking components to acid and alkaline plating baths, activation stages, and rinsing cycles. Standard catalogue plugs may not maintain a consistent seal under these chemical conditions or may degrade over repeated use, leading to plating of surfaces that must remain uncoated for functional or assembly reasons.

Our custom silicone masking plugs for electroplating are moulded to your exact geometry and manufactured from silicone grades that resist the chemistry of standard plating baths. Each plug is designed for secure retention through immersion and clean removal without residue on critical surfaces.

All custom plugs are produced with a smooth outer surface to ensure consistent sealing against the masked surface. For applications involving threaded openings, custom threaded silicone plugs are available to protect thread geometry and provide a watertight seal through the plating process.

Key properties and configurations:

• Chemical resistant: suitable for acid and alkaline plating baths including zinc, nickel, chrome, and copper electroplating processes
• Customisable hardness: Shore hardness selectable to match compression fit, retention under immersion, and sealing performance
• Any geometry: tapered, straight, flanged, pull-through, threaded, and complex non-standard profiles available to drawing or sample
• Reusable and durable: high-quality silicone construction supports repeated use across multiple plating cycles without degradation of fit or chemical resistance
• Colour-coded to specification: any silicone colour available to support operator identification and process control
• Economical for small series: custom tooling is viable even for smaller quantities where no standard masking plug provides a reliable fit for your component

Lead time is typically 3 to 4 weeks from approved geometry.