The go-to finish for electrical connectors
Silver electroplating delivers the highest electrical conductivity of any commercially plated metal, making it the standard choice for connectors, contacts, and other critical electrical components.
It offers excellent solderability (though that decreases with age), outstanding lubricity for anti-galling applications, and good corrosion resistance on most base metals. Tarnish is managed with an optional anti-tarnish sealant that significantly slows the process.
Silver can be applied in matte, semi-bright, or bright finishes, with rack or barrel methods, and with or without chromate post-treatment for enhanced tarnish resistance.
A base coat — typically copper — is commonly specified beneath the silver layer. AFT accommodates most base metal and undercoat combinations.
Built for volume. Priced for it too.
AFT has produced high-quality silver plating for over 20 years. We run two dedicated barrel production lines for high-volume work, and our depth of experience with silver on stainless steel translates directly into fast, consistent turnarounds.
- High-Volume Barrel - Two dedicated barrel production lines for competitive volume pricing
- Rack Plating - For precision parts and geometries requiring individual fixturing
- Stainless Steel Proficiency - Especially strong on silver over stainless — fast cycle times
- 5-7 Day Turnaround - Average from receipt of product on silver work
ASTM B700, AMS, and Mil-Spec Coverage
AFT meets current industry and government specifications for silver plating. ASTM B700 is the active standard and our primary reference — it supersedes the legacy Mil-QQ-S-365, which is officially canceled but still appears on older government and aerospace drawings. We honor both.
- ASTM B700 - Current active standard — supersedes Mil-QQ-S-365. AFT's primary reference for all new work.
- AMS 2410 - Silver plating, high-bake (for hydrogen embrittlement relief)
- AMS 2411 - Silver plating, general use
- Mil-QQ-S-365 - Officially canceled; still referenced on legacy drawings. AFT can plate to this spec.
- Private specs - Most private specifications accommodated upon review — contact us with your requirements.
ASTM B700 Grades and Class Options
AFT produces all four ASTM B700 grades. Class N (non-tarnish treated) and Class S (supplementary tarnish-resistant treatment) are available on every finish.
- Grade A: Matte Silver - No Brighteners Added
Grade B: Semi-Bright - Moderate Luster - Grade C: Bright - High-reflectivity Finish
- Grade D: Semi-Bright - Alternate Bright Formulation
- Class N (no supplementary tarnish-resistant treatment) and Class S (with supplementary tarnish-resistant treatment) are both available across all grades.
Plating on Your Material
AFT plates silver onto a broad range of base metals. Customers may supply their own parts or purchase material directly through AFT — buying through us is often less expensive given our supply relationships and reduced shipping overhead.
Silver Screws & Plated Fasteners
AFT is an established supplier of silver-plated fasteners for aerospace, electrical, industrial, and educational applications. Low minimums. Standard turnaround within 5-7 days.