What type of plating do I want or need?
Below are some examples of plating services we offer:
Please note: These are examples and that every application is different. Some metals cannot be annodized and some can, some cannot be powder coated and some can and so on. It's always best to call us so we can work with you on a solution that is cost effective for you and suits your needs.
Anodizing, or anodising, is an electrolytic passivation process used to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts. This process is of no use on carbon steel because rust puffs up and flakes off, constantly exposing new metal to corrosion. But on many other metals, anodizing increases corrosion resistance and wear resistance, and provides better adhesion for paint primers and glues than bare metal. Anodic films can also be used for a number of cosmetic effects, either with thick porous coatings that can absorb dyes or with thin transparent coatings that add interference effects to reflected light. Anodizing is also used to prevent galling of threaded components and to make dielectric films for electrolytic capacitors. Anodization changes the microscopic texture of the surface and can change the crystal structure of the metal near the surface. Coatings are often porous, thick ones inevitably so, so a sealing process is often needed to achieve corrosion resistance. The process derives its name from the fact that the part to be treated forms the anode portion of an electrical circuit in this electrolytic process. Anodic films are generally much stronger and more adherent than most paints and platings, making them less likely to crack and peel. Anodic films are most commonly applied to protect aluminium alloys, although processes also exist for titanium, zinc, magnesium, and niobium.
Zinc oxide is a chemical compound with the formula ZnO. It is nearly insoluble in water but soluble in acids and alkalis. It occurs as white hexagonal crystals or a white powder commonly known as zinc white. It remains white when exposed to hydrogen sulfide or ultraviolet light. Crystalline zinc oxide exhibits the piezoelectric effect and is thermochromic (it will change colour from white to yellow when heated, and back again when cooled down). Zinc oxide decomposes into zinc vapor and oxygen at around 1975 °C. High-quality single-crystalline ZnO is almost transparent. Zinc oxide occurs in nature as the mineral zincite.
Chrome plating is a technique of electroplating a thin layer of chromium onto a metal object. The chromed layer can be decorative, or it may help provide corrosion resistance to the object.
Dip molding is a process where a mold or part is dipped into a polymer for dip molding or dip coating a part. This dip molding process is used to make items such as surgeons gloves and hand tool handles. Plastisol is the most common dip molding material. But latex, neoprene, urethane, and other materials are also used in dip molding.