Zinc Plating
Zinc plating is one of the most widely used and cost-effective methods for protecting steel components against corrosion. During the electroplating process, a controlled electrical current deposits a thin, uniform layer of zinc onto the surface of a steel part. This zinc coating acts as a sacrificial barrier, protecting the underlying steel from rust and extending the service life of the component.
For more than a century, zinc electroplating has remained one of the world’s most common metal finishing processes. Today, millions of tons of zinc are used annually across industries including automotive, agriculture, construction, heavy equipment, and industrial manufacturing. The process has continued to evolve from its early cyanide-based electrolytes to today’s environmentally responsible alkaline and acid chloride plating systems, delivering improved performance, consistency, and corrosion resistance.
Benefits of Zinc Plating
Excellent corrosion protection for steel components
Cost-effective alternative to more expensive coatings
Uniform coating on complex geometries
Available with a variety of chromate finishes and sealers
Improved durability and extended component life
Suitable for high-volume production and precision applications
Our Capabilities
Franke Plating Works provides high-quality zinc electroplating for a wide range of industrial applications. We process parts to ASTM B633 as well as customer specifications that reference or build upon ASTM B633 requirements. Our experienced team works closely with customers to ensure the correct coating thickness, finish, and corrosion protection for each application.
Whether your project requires clear, yellow, black, olive drab, or other specified conversion coatings, Franke Plating Works is committed to delivering consistent quality, reliable turnaround times, and exceptional customer service.
Compared to hot-dip galvanizing, electroplated zinc offers these significant advantages:
- Lower thickness deposits to achieve comparable performance
- Broader conversion coating availability for increased performance and color options
- Brighter, more aesthetically appealing, deposits
The corrosion protection is primarily due to the anodic potential dissolution of zinc versus iron. Zinc acts as a sacrificial anode for protecting iron (steel). While steel is close to -400 mV, depending on alloy composition, electroplated zinc is much more anodic with -980 mV. Steel is preserved from corrosion by cathodic protection. Alloying zinc with cobalt or nickel at levels less than 1% has minimal effect on the electroplating potential, but both alloys improve the capacity of the zinc layer to develop a chromate film by conversion coating. This further enhances corrosion protection.
