Solutions > Gold plating of an astronomical observation equipment

Solution - Gold plating of an astronomical observation equipment

Company N, a manufacturer of astronomical observation equipment, visited us to improve the sensitivity of their telescope.

The issue they were facing was a reduction in telescope sensitivity at absolute zero (-273°C). They suspected that the four pillars, made of stainless steel, were contributing to the sensitivity loss.

Their request was for gold plating on the surface of the stainless steel. This request had already been rejected by 17 companies. With a budget of 300,000 Japanese Yen, they were feeling frustrated and under pressure.

Upon inspecting their product, we observed that gold wire was used in a brain-like shape of the stainless steel standoff, and aluminum plates were used for the metal fittings holding the posts.

Plating parts made of completely different metals is difficult, which explained why 17 companies had refused the project.

The task was to succeed on the first attempt, with no room for failure.

Using Mitsuya's advanced plating technologies and a challenging split method, we succeeded in applying the gold plating and earned the satisfaction of Company N.

Plating detail

Achievement

  • Difficult material to be plated
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