Zinc Plating

​Albers Finishing Solutions offers a variety of surface finishing, including zinc plating. Zinc is the workhorse of the commercial finishing industry. Highly decorative and inexpensive, it is reasonable in corrosion resistance. Major industries include lawn and garden, agricultural, automotive, hardware, recreational and more.

Why Plating

Plating Process

Typically, this is how a zinc-plating process works:

• Preparation and surface cleaning: The substrate must be thoroughly prepped by cleaning the surface prior to plating. Debris and contaminants remaining on the surface will prevent proper adhesion of the zinc coating. Alkaline detergent solution is used for cleaning, followed by an acid treatment to remove any surface rust (referred to as pickling).

• Plating solution is prepared: The substrate requires immersion into a specially formulated electrolyte solution referred to as the plating bath. It consists of the zinc metal ionic solution and various chemicals that facilitate plating processes and help produce the desired chemical and physical properties of the finished product. There are specific types of zinc electrolyte solutions.

• Acid zinc – A widely used plating technology known for its efficiency with fast deposition and superior covering power. 
• Zinc plating procedures: After solution preparation, the appropriate method is chosen for plating. It may be rack plating for larger parts, where parts are affixed to metal racks and placed inside the tank containing the plating bath and remain stationary or barrel plating. Barrel plating is normally used for smaller parts; they are placed inside a barrel and rotated, providing a more uniform finish. (Albers Finishing & Solutions will be adding barrel plating soon.)
• Electrical current is applied – An electrical current is used to deposit metal ions onto the surface of the substrate. With zinc plating, the substrate serves as the cathode. A DC current originating at the anode is introduced into the bath, flowing to the substrate. The zinc ions are then deposited onto the surface. The current flows from the cathode back to the anode to complete the circuit.

• Post-treatment Procedure – When the plating process is completed, the parts are ready for post-treatment. This normally includes a rinse process to remove any contaminants or plating bath remnants. The application of passivates and sealers are typically included in this final process. The zinc-plated parts are thoroughly dried as the final step.

Plating Quality

Our experienced in-house lab technicians and process operators are able to identify and control many other factors that affect the results when plating with zinc that include:
●      Correct positioning of the anode and cathode
●      Substrate surface condition
●      Agitation of the bath (or lack thereof)
●      Use of additives such as surfactants and                      brighteners
●      Concentration of hydrogen ions
●      Duration of actual plating time
●      Degree of filtration of the zinc plating bath
●      Efficiency of the rinsing operation
●      Amount of harmful pollutants/contaminants                that may be in the plating bath