Metals are arranged in a thermal conductivity series as follows: silver, copper, gold, aluminum, nickel, and platinum. Silver plating has the highest thermal conductivity, but because it is expensive, it is used less often and primarily only for thermal conductivity. Among practical metals, stainless steel, which is particularly low in thermal conductivity, is often copper-plated.
| Type of plating | Characteristic value | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Copper plating | - For the thermal conductivity of each metal, see the illustration below. | Radiators, stainless steel pans, frying pans, and other kitchen products |
Copper plated frying pan
(From “Denki Mekki Gaido” edited by Federation
of Electro Plating Industry Association, Japan)
| Thermal conductivity of each metal | |
|---|---|
| Silver | 360 Kcal/m・h・℃ |
| Copper | 300 |
| Gold | 330 |
| Aluminum | 190 |
| Nickel | 79 |
| Platinum | 60 |
| Iron | 61 |
| Stainless steel | 14 |
Types of plating
