NOBLE METAL PLATING METHOD OF AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL

PURPOSE:To produce noble metal plated products of high corrosion resistance and adhesive strength without degrading the corrosion resistance of base materials by subjecting austenitic stainless steel to noble metal plating simultanously with an activation treatment or right after the same. CONSTITUTION:After austenitic stainless steel is cleaned, it is chemically or electrolytically polished with acids such as phosphoric acid, citric acid, acetic acid, gluconic acid or the like to remove the oxide films, foreign matter and ruggendness covering the steel surface. Thence, it is subjected to noble metal plating under activation treatment with hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid or right after the activation treatment, it is subjected directly to noble metal plating. The resultant noble metal plated products retain the original corrosion resistance of the underlying blank material in spite of the noble metal plating of thin plating thicknesses or such construction wherein the plating cannot fully cover the surfaces. This noble metal plating has excellent corrosion resistance and aesthetic appearance.