For industrial, military, and manufacturing applications, zinc-nickel plating is quite common. The additional corrosion protection is a must when components will be exposed to harsh elements.
The process of zinc-nickel electroplating, however, may be one that you are not totally familiar with. Let’s take a closer look at the process as well as the benefits of using zinc-nickel plating.
What Is Electroplating?
To put it simply, zinc-nickel electroplating is the process of applying a layer of zinc-nickel to the surface of a metal part. Using an electrical current, the zinc-nickel is applied to the surface while a chromate conversion coating then provides a protection layer over top of the zinc-nickel.
The finish is a thin coating that is not visible to the eye. That said, it is smooth, hard, and consistent throughout, which leads to the major benefits gleaned from using quality zinc-nickel plating services.
The Benefits
There are a variety of benefits that go along with zinc-nickel electroplating. For starters, the protection against corrosion is far better than any other avenue. When using parts for potentially corrosive environments, zinc-nickel plating is a must.
There is also superior strength provided. Zinc is lightweight but its coatings can add substantial strength. Moreover, zinc is quite cost effective because it is found in abundance. That cost-effective nature is even apparent when using precious metals such as palladium or gold. On top of all that, it is quite visually appealing as well.