Surface and electroplating technology
Are you looking for coating processes to make your components more wear-resistant and/or corrosion-resistant, or to carry out a more cost-effective repair instead of expensive new production?
With more than 35 years of experience, we offer our customers tailor-made solutions - from consulting on surface-related issues and conventional coatings through to the implementation of new applications.
Since 1 January 2008, Otto Littmann Maschinenfabrik Präzisionsmechanik GmbH has been part of the corporate group. Littmann specializes in the precision manufacturing of a wide range of materials and geometries through turning, milling and grinding. In particular, the use of state-of-the-art grinding technologies enables us to ideally complement our coatings with upstream and downstream processing. This company combination also allows us to offer the manufacture of complete components from a single source.
To learn more about Otto Littmann, click the logo.
Our range of services
Our coating processes and Services
For more than 35 years, Spitzke has primarily supplied its customers with functional, but also decorative, surfaces. A functional coating gives a component one or more specific properties required for its application. With a decorative finish, appearance plays the main role.
Our customers come from a wide range of industries, including aerospace, tool and mold making, and mechanical engineering. Especially for aerospace applications, we work according to special customer specifications and standards. You can find an overview of the currently available approvals and standards for the aerospace industry here.
We use both standard processes from the electroplating industry and our own high-performance coatings. Customers can make a preliminary selection of which coating may be suitable for a specific application using the “Properties and Application Profile” table. The information provided there is based on experience gained from a wide range of applications and problem solutions. Naturally, the table does not replace individual consultation with our specialists, as every application is specific.
To go to the Properties and Application Profile table now, click here.
Quality
Certified quality – from production to the finished surface
For more than 35 years, R. Spitzke Surface and Electroplating Technology GmbH & Co. KG has stood for precise processing and reliable results. Our customers’ requirements are as diverse as the industries in which they operate – from aerospace and mechanical engineering to industry. Meeting these different requirements is not just our aspiration; it is our day-to-day practice.
For us, quality is not a matter of chance. It is the result of structured processes, modern measuring technology and in-depth chemical expertise. Our certified quality management system, extensive production control and in-house chemical laboratory together form the basis for coatings that are reproducible, verifiable and convincing over the long term.
Our aim is to offer our customers excellent quality, short delivery times and fair prices.
To ensure that our processes and resources are optimally aligned with our customers’ needs, we have implemented an EN 9100 quality management system in our company. Its introduction ensures that our processes and procedures are continuously reviewed and improved, with the aim of achieving lasting quality improvements for our customers.
You can view the current certificate here.
In production control, we use the following measurements and tests to monitor our production processes:
- Coating thickness measurement (using magnetic induction methods)
- Vickers hardness testing
- Adhesion tests
- Roughness tests
- Corrosion tests
- Resistance tests
- Light-microscopic measurements on metallographic cross sections
- Dimensional checks
At the customer’s request, the results of all measurements can of course also be documented and verified by preparing test reports, for example for initial sample inspections.
Bath analyses are carried out in our in-house chemical laboratory to keep the electroplater’s “tools” - the baths - at their target values. This is a key prerequisite for ensuring reproducible quality.
Service
Service meets modern manufacturing
Choosing the perfect coating determines the lifespan of your systems – a task that requires profound practical experience above all else. With over 30 years of expertise in surface technology, Spitzke is your strong partner for consultation, precise damage assessments, and customized durability testing under laboratory or live conditions. Should component failures occur, we analyze the root causes down to the smallest detail and develop sustainable corrective actions.
Our service portfolio is rounded out by practical sample processing and a rapid emergency service: thanks to our strong network with Otto Littmann, we can realize repairs and new component manufacturing on extremely short notice, even during tight scheduling bottlenecks.
More about our service
Choosing the right coating is crucial to the service life of a system. In surface technology, empirical knowledge plays a much greater role than in other disciplines. The large number of possible parameters makes prediction difficult in many cases, so successful consulting requires extensive experience. At Spitzke, customers benefit from more than 30 years of experience in surface technology. Field trials or suitable laboratory tests can further supplement this experience.
Unfortunately, coated surfaces can also suffer damage during use. Causes may include faulty design or workmanship errors during execution. A damage assessment can often identify the cause and help remedy the issue. Spitzke supports its customers in root cause analysis and helps develop corrective measures.
Example of a damage analysis carried out at Spitzke:
On a piston for homogenizing machines, pores the size of a pinhead formed in thick chrome layers (example image). By examining the base material (cleanliness inspection) and cross sections of the chrome layer at the pore location (example image), it was possible to prove that globular inclusions in the base material 1.4542 were dissolved out during pretreatment for chrome plating, creating holes measuring 30-40 µm. Holes of this kind lead to pores during chrome plating because the hydrogen produced prevents chrome deposition at that point.
Problem solution: base material cleanliness according to Stahl-Eisen-Prüfblatt 1570, maximum 8.3 in series OG (oxides, globular form)
Despite extensive general and specialist experience, customer applications may involve parameters whose influence is unknown. In such cases, only an “intelligent” test can help. This can reduce the risk of premature failure. Spitzke develops suitable test procedures together with its customers. Combined with the use of samples under live conditions, it provides important insights into successful coating.
Test rig for a resistance test of Duktilchrom® plus against sodium hypochlorite at 60-70°C.
This is part of Spitzke’s service offering. Combined with the use of samples under live conditions, it provides important insights into successful coating.
Unfortunately, schedule bottlenecks can occur even with the best planning. It goes without saying that customers can count on our company’s support in such situations. Through our association with Otto Littmann, repairs or the manufacture of new parts (spare parts) can be carried out at short notice.
To learn more about Otto Littmann, click here:
Jobs at
Spitzke
Become part of our team
Are you looking for more than just a job? At Spitzke Surface and Electroplating Technology, you will find a career that moves you forward. Exciting projects, real teamwork and an atmosphere where your performance counts are waiting for you. Take a look at our current job openings and find your place with us.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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