The Anti-Galling Advantage
Why Brush Plating is a Smarter Solution for the Oilfield Industry
In the oilfield industry, threaded connections are everything. Whether it’s casings, tubing, pup joints, mandrels, or premium OCTG accessories, the integrity of threads determines reliability, sealing performance, and safety downhole. But one persistent challenge haunts manufacturers and end-users alike: thread galling.
Galling occurs when metal surfaces seize during make-up or repeated use. The result? Damaged threads, compromised sealing, costly rework, and delays in operations. That’s why anti-galling surface treatment has become an essential step in the manufacturing and maintenance of oil tool connections.
Traditionally, many workshops have relied on tank immersion plating for anti-galling copper deposits. But in today’s fast-moving industry, there is a smarter, more flexible alternative: Brush Plating.
Brush Plating vs Tank Immersion: A Practical Perspective
Tank Immersion Plating
- Best suited for high-volume, uniform-size parts.
- Requires significant investment in large plating tanks, chemicals, and facilities.
- Not economical for low-volume orders, oversized parts, or odd-shaped accessories.
Brush Plating
- Portable and flexible—applied directly to connections of any size or geometry.
- Ideal for low-volume production, specialized accessories, or urgent repairs.
- Eliminates the need for costly tank setups and long lead times.
Benefits for Machine Shops & Threading Workshops
For workshops serving oilfield customers, Brush Plating offers:
- Fast Turnaround – No waiting for batch processing in tanks. Each tool can be plated as needed.
- Precision Application – Copper is deposited only where required, ensuring uniform thickness without waste.
- Versatility – Works on a wide range of OCTG accessories, including premium and non-premium connections, pup joints, mandrels, nipple adapters, hangers, and flow couplings.
- Reduced Costs – No heavy infrastructure investment. Brush Plating sets are portable, efficient, and cost-saving.
Benefits for Oilfield Companies
For drilling contractors, operators, and service providers, the advantages are clear:
- Reduced Risk of Thread Damage – Anti-galling copper layers extend connection life and improve sealing performance.
- Operational Reliability – Fewer failures during make-up and repeated use.
- On-Site Flexibility – Connections can be repaired or re-plated directly at the yard or rig site if needed.
- Global Recognition – Sterling Impreglon Asia’s Brush Plating process is qualified and approved by major oilfield OEMs worldwide, including Vallourec, Tenaris, JFE, Hunting, and others.
Why It Matters Now
In regions like the Middle East, where high-volume orders often favor tank immersion plating, Brush Plating provides an essential complementary solution:
- Perfect for odd-sized or specialty tools that don’t justify tank setup.
- Faster and more economical for urgent, small-batch orders.
- A proven, OEM-approved process that delivers the same anti-galling benefits without the overhead.
Final Word
For oilfield threading workshops, machine shops, and operators, the choice is not just between plating methods—it’s about
efficiency, flexibility, and reliability.
Brush Plating is not here to replace tank immersion, but to fill the critical gaps where immersion falls short. With its portability, cost-effectiveness, and global approvals, it’s the solution oilfield companies around the world can rely on to keep connections strong and operations running smoothly.
👉 Don’t let galling slow you down. Choose Sterling Brush Plating—trusted by oilfield leaders worldwide.
