Skip to content

Alkaline Zinc Plating

Gleco offers ASTM B-633 and ASTM B-840 alkaline zinc plating up to 120″ x 36″ x 72″ for those seeking corrosion resistance without excess thickness. Also known as electrolytic zinc coating, alkaline zinc plating uses electrolysis to deposit a burn-free layer of fine-grain zinc on a steel base material in an alkaline medium (basic alkaline pH aqueous solution).

Alkaline Zinc Plating Example

The Plating Process

This process delivers a clear (depending on deposit type), bright, uniform finish with self-healing characteristics that offer outstanding corrosion resistance to protect metals such as carbon steel and brass. It is applied as follows:

  1. Choose the appropriate zinc plating procedure, rack to ensure no damage to delicate parts, or barrel plating for a more uniform finish.
  2. Clean the surface to remove any debris or contaminants.
  3. Prepare the specially formulated electrolyte solution plating bath.
    Alkaline Zinc requires less plating efficiency than acid zinc and a slower electrodeposition rate, but it provides superior ductility and uniform thickness.
  4. Introduce the electrical current to deposit metal ions onto the surface of the metal being plated.
  5. Apply post-treatment such as rinsing or passivating.

Electrolytic Zinc Coating Color Options

Film color will vary depending on the deposit type it is applied over.

  • Colorless Passivate (RoHS Compliant): Clear
  • Colored Passivate (RoHS Compliant): Yellow, Black
  • Colored Chromates (Non-RoHS Compliant): Yellow, Black, Olive Drab

Benefits of Electroplating Zinc

  • A high/low thickness distribution greater than 2:1
  • Tight plating tolerances for parts to be bent, crimped, or rolled
  • A superior level of throwing power
  • Ability to plate over complex geometries and deep recess parts
  • Low-current options without extra thickness in the high-current density locations

The Differences Between Alkaline Zinc and Acid Zinc

Alkaline zinc offers excellent thickness distribution with superior throwing power but a lower electro-deposition rate and less plating efficiency, making it ideal for parts with deep recesses or inner dynamics. Acid zinc offers highly-efficient, fast deposition with excellent covering power but weak thickness distribution and poor throwing power, making it ideal for heat-treated steel parts.

Alkaline Zinc plating is used by the automotive, medical, defense, industrial, and aerospace industries to coat:

  • Brake systems
  • Fuel systems
  • Transmission systems
  • Fasteners and latches
  • Screws, bolts, and washers
  • Mounting brackets
  • Medical devices
  • Hydraulic fittings
  • Springs
  • Dental devices

If you’re searching for an Alkaline Zinc Plating provider with proven expertise and personalized service, contact Gleco Plating.