There are many different industries that use zinc electroplating on parts and components. This is the process most often used when the parts are exposed to outdoor conditions, including heat, moisture, and temperature changes. This is the plating option preferred by the automotive industry, but it is also used for parts and components for machines as well as in the aerospace industry.
Through the use of zinc, the previous option of electroplating using cadmium can be completely avoided. As cadmium is highly toxic and zinc is not, this is an important safety consideration and also ensures parts and components are RoHS compliant, which is important for many OEMs.
The Process
The process of zinc electroplating provides an even, controlled finish to steel parts and components that are highly resistant to oxidation. The zinc also acts as a sacrificial barrier and anode, which allows for enhanced protection of the base metal.
The process of zinc electroplating involves cleaning the parts and components completely, then immersing them into a solution that contains zinc salt. An electrical current is then applied, which causes the zinc in the solution to bond with the surface of the metal, creating a layer of protection to the desired thickness across all surfaces of the part.
The Benefits
The process of using zinc in electroplating creates a surface to the part that has a high resistance to corrosion, even in extreme types of applications and environments. It is considered to have excellent ductility and also offer excellent adhesion for further finishing of the part or component as required.
Additionally, the process for this type of electroplating is suitable for all plating options, including rack or barrel operations. This allows both small and large parts to be treated at a low cost and with high levels of efficiency and precision.
