Electroplating is a process used in manufacturing in which a thin layer of metal is put onto the surface of another material by using an electric current. Among the many forms of electroplating, chrome plating, zinc plating, and nickel plating are three of the most common types used today.
Chrome Plating
Chrome plating is the process of coating a metal object with a thin layer of chromium, well known for creating a bright, shiny, mirror-like finish and commonly used on car parts, tools, and industrial machinery.
Chrome plating is valued because chromium is an extremely hard metal that will help your material resist scratches, or corrosion – making your surface durable and long-lasting. However, the process can be expensive and some chromium compounds can be hazardous.
Zinc Plating
Zinc plating is one of the most widely used forms of electroplating for protecting steel and iron from rust. In this process, a thin coating of zinc is applied to the metal surface as a sacrificial metal, meaning it corrodes before the underlying steel does.
This type of plating is found often in bolts, nuts, and construction materials. Using zinc nickel coating, such as at https://www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/plating/zinc-nickel-plating/, is popular because it is affordable, efficient, and suitable for large-scale production.
Nickel Plating
Nickel plating is adding a layer of nickel onto a metal surface, commonly used in electronics, aerospace engineering, machinery, and even household products.
Nickel plating also improves the hardness of metal parts and can dramatically increase their lifespan. Often, nickel plating is used as an underlayer before chrome plating because it adds additional protection.
