Silvex

In high-stakes industries like aerospace, defense, and alternative energy, precision and quality are non-negotiable standards. Here, perfection starts from the surface itself. Meeting such stringent requirements demands more than just expertise — it calls for innovation, collaboration and consistency.

Over 65 years, Silvex has been instrumental in delivering such state-of-the-art surface solutions, leveraging its expertise in plating, anodizing and surface treatments across industries.

“We don’t just aim to meet client expectations but surpass them while upholding the highest industry standards. Our ‘whatever it takes’ mindset drives consistent results and solidifies our position in the industry,” says Daniel Atkinson, vice president of Silvex.

As a second-generation family business, the Silvex team brings together over a century of cumulative technical expertise. The company invests in its future by training the next generation, guaranteeing a competent workforce to carry the legacy. This wealth of experience, coupled with its collaborative approach, makes Silvex a trusted partner in the surface technology landscape.

Sculpting Surface, Shaping Success

Silvex specializes in electroplating processes such as silver and platinum advanced plating that improve the durability of materials. The coatings help protect against corrosion, wear and friction, making surfaces more resistant and long-lasting. The company also offers two types of anodizing processes: sulfuric acid and sulfuric hard anodizing. Anodizing improves corrosion and wear resistance, providing better adhesive, primer and lubricant retention.

Apart from anodizing and electroplating, Silvex provides a range of additional surface treatments. The majority of the finishes are carried out on a manually hoisted line that accommodates up to 36” in length. The company’s capabilities extend to custom anodizing processes and color-matching systems seamlessly blending client requirements and functionality.

Silvex involves clients at every step of the process, ensuring their requirements are met to the tee. Annual customer surveys and direct communication channels allow clients to work closely with engineers, planners and production managers, fostering transparency and trust. The company even established dedicated production lines for long-term projects, cultivating a loyal client base, including a Maine-based aerospace company that has trusted Silvex for over 30 years.

Another client success story involves collaborating with a major firearm manufacturer that had a specific requirement for a coyote brown finish. The company worked with suppliers to develop a new dye that met stringent quality and color consistency standards, even when applied to two distinct alloys. This innovative dyeing solution, tailored to the manufacturer’s requirements, secured a long-term partnership and solidified Silvex’s industry leadership.

Unwavering commitment to quality

Despite tight deadlines and exclusive offerings, the company never compromises on quality. Silvex adheres to multiple rigorous guidelines and compliances required for working with aerospace, defense or healthcare industries. It offers a wide array of surface finishes processed in accordance with ISO 9001:2015, NADCAP, AS9100D and various other industry-specific standards.

The company employs advanced tools such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), both tabletop and handheld XRF, hydrogen embrittlement testing machines, salt spray cabinet and color matching booth to ensure precision and quality. This allows Silvex to perform both on-the-floor and detailed lab testing, eliminating the need for external testing, significantly reducing lead times. Silvex’s quality manager is also a voting member of the NADCAP committee, which ensures compliance with the rigorous industry standards.

From adhering to industry compliances to cutting-edge innovations, Silvex continues to set the gold standard for surface finishing. This consistency and commitment to process improvement has made Silvex a standout in the surface finishing industry, combining technical prowess with a customer-centric approach. From aerospace electroplating to stainless steel flatware, Silvex provides advanced solutions with an unwavering commitment to quality.