Zinc nickel coating is an innovative process which provides excellent durability and corrosion resistance for a range of metal products. This process can be broken down into three clear stages.

1. The preparation process

During the first stage of the zinc nickel coating process, the metal that is to be electroplated must be cleaned because this will help to ensure that the coating will adhere well to the surface. In some instances, simply rinsing the metal will be enough; however, pickling and degreasing are also commonly used.

2. The electroplating process

The clean metal object is gently placed into the zinc nickel solution before an electric current is activated. The nickel and zinc ions will then be deposited onto the surface of the metal to form a thin veil or coating.

Time, temperature and voltage must all be carefully monitored, as each of these factors can impact the overall composition and thickness of the coating. You can learn more about this process on the websites of specialists such as https://www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/plating/zinc-nickel-plating/.

Plating solutions may also contain additives to further improve the performance of zinc nickel coatings, which have excellent anti-corrosion properties and may even be used to replace other processes that have become more heavily regulated.

3. The post-processing process

Residual solution is rinsed away from the metal surface before the object is dried. It’s also possible to utilise a range of other treatments at this stage, such as sealing or passivation, which can help to enhance the aesthetics of the object or increase its corrosion resistance, colour, hardness, or gloss.