Processing equipment component plating

A method of forming a radio frequency (RF) strap for use in a process chamber, comprising:

• positioning a core strap comprising a first material that is electrically and thermally conductive in a first electrochemical bath, the first electrochemical bath comprising a first solvent and a first plating precursor;
• forming a first protective coating having a thickness of between 0.5 μm and 5 μm on an outer surface of the core strap, the first protective coating comprising nickel, by introducing an electrical current due to a pulsed bias voltage in the first electrochemical bath;
• rinsing the core strap having the first protective coating formed thereon;
• positioning the core strap having the first protective coating formed thereon in a second electrochemical bath, the second electrochemical bath comprising a second solvent and a second plating precursor;
• forming a second protective coating having a thickness of between 10 μm and 50 μm on an outer surface of the first protective coating, the second protective coating comprising gold, by introducing an electrical current due to a pulsed bias voltage in the second electrochemical bath;
• and
• post-treating the core strap having the first and second protective coatings formed thereon.