Automotive manufacturers, as well as aftermarket parts companies, turn to metal finishing companies to extend the life and duty cycle of the parts they produce and use. The use of different types of metal finishing services and options allows for increased corrosion resistance and part performance, which is essential in both engine and body components.
The most commonly used option in automotive plating is zinc nickel plating. There are several reasons why this process offers advantages over other electroplating options and why it has become the go-to process in the industry.
Superior Corrosion Resistance
The addition of nickel to zinc electroplating adds the surface protection and corrosion resistance for all types of parts. As an automotive plating option, it is a sacrificial coating, which means the coating itself will corrode before the underlying metal, which adds to the life cycle of the part or component.
At the same time, this automotive plating option is also effective in limiting any types of reactions that can occur when two different metals are in contact. By limiting this type of surface damaged caused by these types of chemical reactions between metals, there is less risk of corrosive damage.
Additional Benefits
Many automotive parts, including on the frame and on the interior of the vehicle, need to be protected to prevent surface wear and tear, vibration, and to eliminate noise.
Zinc nickel electroplating is the ideal surface for rubber to metal bonding, providing parts that are long lasting and with rubber that adheres completely to the surface for optimal performance.