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Electroplating Services

Electroplating Services

Choose the deposit around the job.

Compare electroplated finishes for corrosion protection, appearance and functional surfaces. Start with the base metal and the mating features; specify the deposit, thickness and inspection locations before the order is released.

Confidential files. Optional NDA available.

Reflective metal ring
Identify the deposit and thickness separately from appearance.
When to consider this process

Metal parts requiring a specified zinc, nickel or other confirmed electrodeposited finish.

Review before ordering

Deep recesses, internal passages and tight fits need a coverage review. Electroless nickel is a separate process route.

What this process does

Electroplating uses electrical current to deposit metal onto a prepared conductive surface. Deposit distribution depends on the part and process setup, so thickness requirements must name the surfaces that matter.

Choose the route from your requirements.

Use these points to prepare an enquiry. The selected process, material compatibility and acceptance criteria should be confirmed for your drawing.

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Electroplating Services: selection and specification considerations
Your requirement What to specify What to review
Zinc electroplating Steel parts needing sacrificial corrosion protection. Specify conversion coating, sealer and fit allowance; review the zinc-plating service.
Electrolytic nickel Decorative or engineering nickel surfaces. Define appearance, deposit thickness and significant surfaces; review nickel plating.
Other deposits A drawing calls out copper, chrome or a multilayer stack. Submit the exact stack for feasibility; availability is not assumed.
Electroless nickel alternative Complex geometry with a functional nickel deposit. Review chemistry, phosphorus requirement and post-treatment separately.

Protect the features that make the part work.

Mark the surfaces that carry function, fit and appearance. A clear drawing helps separate essential requirements from unnecessary processing.

Added layerSubstrate / base metal
Added metal deposit; review final fit. Conceptual section, not to scale; no process capability is implied.

Thickness distribution

Edges, recesses and electrical contact locations require attention. Nominal thickness without measurement locations can leave the acceptance requirement ambiguous.

Hydrogen embrittlement review

Flag high-strength steels, hardness and applicable processing requirements. Any relief treatment and timing must follow the approved part specification.

Assembly fit

Identify dimensions measured before and after plating. Specify masking or machining allowance for threads, bores and close-tolerance seats.

Agree the evidence before production.

Inspection should answer the requirements on your order. Define the method and acceptance criteria when a characteristic is important to the application.

  • Deposit stack and substrate recorded
  • Thickness checked at agreed significant surfaces
  • Adhesion and appearance criteria agreed
  • Any required embrittlement-relief record and corrosion report identified

Testing and documentation are confirmed in the quotation. A finish name or reference image does not establish certification, performance or compliance.

Rows of metal finishing baths
Original-page process reference; this does not establish equipment ownership.

From drawing to an agreed finish.

Send the part context

Share the drawing, material, quantity and operating environment. Identify cosmetic and functional surfaces.

Review the process

Resolve preparation, access, masking and the sequence with machining or other finishing operations.

Confirm acceptance

Agree samples, measurements and documentation. Record the approved drawing revision and open requirements.

Release the order

Confirm the quoted route, schedule and packing requirements before work starts.

Questions before you order.

Practical answers for a clearer finish specification.

Is electroplating the same as electroless plating?

No. Electroplating uses electrical current. Electroless nickel uses a chemical deposition route; compare geometry, deposit properties and post-treatment before selecting either.

What should I send for a quotation?

Send the drawing revision, material grade, quantity and base metal and material condition, deposit metal and applicable specification. Mark the required surfaces and any acceptance tests. Include your target date and shipping destination.

Can I send parts that are already manufactured?

State that the parts are customer-supplied and include their current condition, existing coatings and dimensions. Acceptance, incoming inspection and the finishing route need confirmation before shipment.

Can you provide a specific inspection report?

List the required characteristics, test methods, sample quantity and report format with the enquiry. The quotation should confirm the agreed inspection scope; additional tests are not implied by the service name.

What affects price and lead time?

Part size, quantity, incoming condition, preparation, masking, finish requirements and inspection scope all affect the route. Share the complete specification so cost and schedule can be confirmed for the order.

Ready to finish your parts?

Send your drawing, material and quantity for a finishing quote.

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Confidential files. Optional NDA.

Compare related services.

Technical background: these sources explain process principles. Supplier examples do not establish ProleanTech equipment, certification or project capability.

Nickel Institute: Nickel Plating Handbook

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