--- title: specialist materials used in electroforming from Veco description: This blog explores the specialist materials used in electroforming image: https://insights.vecoprecision.com/hubfs/1%20-%20sugar%20sieve%201%20original_BAS7480.jpg --- - [career](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/careers/) - [help center](https://help.vecoprecision.com/knowledge) [![Veco](https://www.vecoprecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Veco-logo-black-rgb-0072.png)](https://www.vecoprecision.com) - [electroforming technology](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/) - [what is Electroforming](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/what-is-electroforming/) - [Electroforming process](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/electroforming-process/) - [capabilities and applications](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/electroforming-capabilities-and-applications/) - [Electroforming materials](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/materials-used-in-electroforming/) - [similar technologies](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/electroforming-vs-other-technologies/) - [case studies](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/electroforming-cases/) - [design guidelines](https://www.vecoprecision.com/design-guideline/) - [company](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/) - [about us](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/) - [markets we serve](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/markets/) - [career](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/careers/) - [co-develop with Veco](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/work-with-veco/) - [quality](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/quality/) - [products](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/) - [micro nozzle plates](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/micro-nozzle-plates/) - [inkjet nozzle plates](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/inkjet-nozzle-plates/) - [nebulizer plates](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/nebulizer-plates/) - [encoder discs](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/encoder-discs/) - [MEMS probes](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/mems-probes/) - [test socket pins](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/test-socket-pins/) - [electrodes for hydrogen production](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/electrodes-for-hydrogen-production/) - other products - [flow discs](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/flow-discs/) - [sugar screens](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/sugar-screens/) - [coffee filters](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/coffee-filters/) - [leaf filters](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/leaf-filters/) - [shaver foils](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/shaver-foils/) - [hearing aid components](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/hearing-aid-components/) - [aperture plates](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/aperture-plates/) - [test contactors](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/test-contactors/) - [contact](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/contact-veco-1) - [Home](https://www.vecoprecision.com) - [Blog](https://insights.vecoprecision.com) - specialist materials used in electroforming from Veco [Back to overview](https://insights.vecoprecision.com) # specialist materials used in electroforming from Veco May 11, 2026, 8:56:21 AM [By Clare Lamb](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/author/clare-lamb) Electroforming is a precision metal‑forming process in which metal is deposited onto a conductive mould (or mandrel) by electroplating until the deposited layer is thick enough to be self‑supporting. Electroforming form Veco produces a **freestanding metal component** with extremely high dimensional accuracy and surface fidelity. Because electroforming relies on controlled electrochemical deposition, only certain materials can be used successfully. The choice of material affects mechanical strength, conductivity, corrosion resistance, cost, and suitability for specific applications such as aerospace, semiconductors, green tech solutions, and medical devices. *Significantly, the specialist materials we use can be combined in one product to meet specific demands of the application.* This article explores the **most common materials that we electroform**, their properties, and typical uses. ## general requirements for electroforming materials   For a material to be suitable for electroforming, it must meet several criteria: - **Electrochemical stability** in aqueous plating baths - Ability to form **uniform, adherent deposits** - Reasonable control over **grain size and internal stress** - Compatibility with available electrolytes and anodes In practice, this limits electroforming primarily to **metals and metal alloys**. All electroformed metallic components can be produced on a mandrel that is made from copper, brass or stainless steel dependent on the complexity of shape and features required. ---   ## copper Copper is a widely electroformed metal due to its excellent electrical conductivity and ease of deposition. Key Properties - Very high electrical and thermal conductivity - Good ductility - Relatively low cost - Easily plated with low internal stress   Applications - Electrical components and waveguides - RF and microwave parts - Direct to chip (D2C) cooling - EMI shielding   Copper electroforms can be **reinforced or plated with nickel** to improve mechanical strength or wear resistance. --- ## nickel Nickel is the **most common material** we use for high‑precision and structural applications. Key Properties - High tensile strength - Excellent wear resistance - Good corrosion resistance - Can be deposited with very low internal stress - Replicates fine surface details extremely well   Variants - **Pure nickel (Veco-84)** – high ductility and strength - **Nickel sulfamate** – also pure nickel -preferred for low‑stress electroforming - **Nickel – Palladium alloy** for biocompatibility and corrosion   Applications - Filtration - High precision mesh - Nozzle plates - Optical and holographic components - Aerospace parts - Medical devices - MEMS (micro‑electromechanical systems)   --- ## gold   Gold can be electroformed when **chemical inertness and conductivity** are paramount. Key Properties - High optical reflection - Exceptional corrosion resistance - Stable electrical performance - Biocompatible - Relatively soft unless alloyed   Applications - Optical components - High‑reliability electrical contacts - Medical and dental components - Microelectronics and MEMS   Limitations - - high material cost - Lower mechanical strength unless alloyed --- ## conclusion   Electroforming is a highly versatile manufacturing technique, but it is inherently material‑selective. Significantly, the specialist materials we use can be combined in one product to meet specific demands of the application. ### Contact us **Take the final step in becoming an innovative force in your industry.** [contact](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/contact-veco-1) ### Contact us **Take the final step in becoming an innovative force in your industry.** [contact](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/contact-veco-1) ### Blog subjects - [electroforming technology](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/topic/electroforming-technology) - [Chemical Etching](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/topic/chemical-etching) - [Elektroforming](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/topic/elektroforming) - [micro precision](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/topic/micro-precision) ### Download whitepaper [Chemical Etching whitepaper](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/whitepaper-chemical-etching) ### Get the latest insights ## Related blogs Jun 9, 2026, 9:43:50 AM ### exceed what you thought possible in the world of precision manufacture Apr 30, 2026, 11:26:22 AM ### Veco achieves IDEX Green certification contact Karel van Gelreweg 22 6961 LB Eerbeek Netherlands [T: +31 (0)313 672 911](tel:+31313672911) [E: veco-info@idexcorp.com](mailto:veco-info@idexcorp.com) services [electroforming](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/) [co-development](https://www.vecoprecision.com/work-with-veco/) [design guideline](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/design-guideline/) [quality](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/quality/)   - [Privacy statement](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/privacy-statement/) - [Disclaimer](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/disclaimer/) - [Terms and conditions](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/terms-and-conditions/) an [![IDEX Corporation](https://www.vecoprecision.com/wp-content/themes/veco/img/idex-corporation-logo.svg)](https://www.idexcorp.com/) platform 2025 - © Veco B.V.