Plating

Plating is a surface covering process where a metal is deposited onto a conductive surface. Unlike anodizing (which is an oxide conversion), plating adds a new layer of material. It is essential for providing corrosion resistance (sacrificial protection), improving wear resistance, enhancing electrical conductivity, or simply for decoration.

At Jucheng Precision, we manage a robust supply chain of certified plating partners to offer a wide array of finishes including Zinc, Nickel, Chrome, Silver, and Gold. We ensure all plating processes meet environmental regulations (RoHS/REACH) and specific industrial standards like ASTM B633 (Zinc) and ASTM B733 (Electroless Nickel). Whether for automotive brackets or high-conductivity electrical contacts, we deliver parts with uniform coverage and strong adhesion.

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Metal Plating

Key Specifications

Specification Technical Range Note
Max Part Size 1500 mm x 800 mm x 800 mm Tank size dependent
Standard Materials Steel, Brass, Copper, Aluminum Al requires Zincate pre-treatment
Zinc Plating Thickness 5 – 25 µm (0.0002″ – 0.001″) Sacrificial corrosion protection
Nickel Thickness 2 – 50 µm Electroless is most uniform
Chrome Thickness 0.5 µm (Decorative) to 250 µm (Hard) Hard chrome for wear resistance
Salt Spray Test 24 hrs to 500+ hrs Depends on chromate seal (Clear/Yellow)
Standard Lead Time 3 – 5 Days Batch processing

Common Plating Types

Type Description Key Benefits & Applications
Zinc Plating The standard for protecting steel from rust. Available with colored chromate conversions: Clear (Blue), Yellow (Iridescent), and Black. Benefit: Cost-effective sacrificial protection (rusts before the steel does).
App: Bolts, nuts, automotive brackets, chassis parts.
Electroless Nickel (EN) Deposits nickel-phosphorus alloy chemically without electricity. Ensures perfectly uniform thickness even in deep holes. Benefit: Uniformity on complex shapes, high hardness, excellent corrosion resistance.
App: Precision gears, mold cavities, medical tools.
Electro-Nickel Uses current to deposit nickel. Tends to build up on corners (“dog-boning”). Brighter appearance than EN. Benefit: High cosmetic brightness, magnetic.
App: Decorative fittings, base layer for chrome.
Hard Chrome Thick deposition of chromium for wear resistance. Not to be confused with decorative chrome (bumpers). Benefit: Extremely low friction, high hardness (65-70 HRC).
App: Hydraulic cylinder rods, piston rings, rollers.
Gold / Silver Precious metal plating for function rather than cost. Benefit: Superior electrical conductivity and solderability.
App: Electrical contacts, connectors, RF components.

Design Guidelines for Plating

Dimensional Growth:
Plating adds material to the surface. For precision parts, this must be accounted for. Electroless Nickel is preferred for tight tolerances because it plates evenly (1:1 ratio), whereas Electroplating builds up on sharp external corners and thins out in internal corners.

Drainage Holes:
Plating involves dipping parts into liquid tanks. Designs must include drainage holes to prevent liquid from getting trapped in blind pockets, which can cause contamination or “drag-out.”

Surface Defects:
Plating does not hide surface defects; it highlights them. A scratch on the raw metal will be even more visible after shiny Nickel or Chrome plating. Parts should be polished prior to plating for a cosmetic finish.

Thread Fitment:
Plating will change the pitch diameter of threads. For thick plating (like Hard Chrome or thick Zinc), threads may need to be machined slightly undersized or re-tapped (chased) after plating.

Industry Applications

Automotive Industry
Zinc-Nickel plating is standard for under-hood components to withstand high heat and salt spray corrosion tests (1000 hours).

Electronics
Gold plating is essential for PCB contacts and USB connectors to ensure reliable data transmission without oxidation.

Oil & Gas
Electroless Nickel is widely used on valves and pumps to protect carbon steel components from harsh chemical environments.

Industrial Machinery
Hard Chrome is applied to shafts and linear guides to reduce friction and prevent wear over millions of cycles.