Improve corrosion resistance, conductivity, solderability, wear performance, and cosmetic appeal with professional electroplating. We support nickel, chrome, zinc, tin, silver, and gold finishes for precision components.
Electroplating is an electrochemical finishing process that deposits a thin metallic layer onto the surface of a base material. By selecting the right plating metal, engineers can enhance corrosion resistance, electrical performance, surface hardness, solderability, and final appearance.
Zinc, nickel, and chrome coatings help shield steel and copper alloys from oxidation, moisture, and industrial environments.
Nickel and hard chrome plating improve surface durability, reduce galling, and extend service life in moving assemblies.
Bright nickel, chrome, and precious metal finishes provide a polished premium look for hardware, consumer products, and display components.
Gold, silver, and tin plating support strong conductivity, stable contact resistance, and reliable solderability for electronic parts.
Different plated metals solve different engineering problems. Nickel and zinc are two of the most common choices for industrial hardware, brackets, fasteners, and precision machined parts.
Functional / Decorative
A popular finish for parts that need balanced corrosion resistance, improved hardness, and an even metallic appearance. Often used on brass, copper, steel, and machined assemblies.
Sacrificial Protection
Widely used for steel parts requiring economical rust protection. Zinc coatings are commonly paired with clear, blue, yellow, or black passivation for added corrosion life and color coding.
We help match the plated metal to your application, whether your priority is corrosion resistance, electrical performance, solderability, low contact resistance, or a premium decorative finish.
* Final color tone and brightness vary with the base material, pre-polish condition, plating thickness, and post-treatment process.
Projects where chrome plating, mirror-polished base surfaces, and decorative metal finishes were part of the manufacturing route.
A full visible 6061 aluminum component set combining CNC machining, black baking paint, Ferrari red automotive paint, mirror polishing, and chrome plating.
A 4+ year supply relationship built on cosmetic control for thin long curved speaker parts, bare 7075 and 5074 deliveries, and scratch-free visible surfaces.
To achieve stable coverage and controlled dimensions, engineers should consider plating thickness, current distribution, masking strategy, and the base material before production begins.
Electroplating adds material to the part surface. This additional buildup must be considered on threaded features, bearing fits, electrical contacts, and close-tolerance bores.
| Plating Type | Typical Thickness | Design Note |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel / Chrome | ~ 5 - 25 um | Account for buildup on mating surfaces |
| Zinc / Tin | ~ 5 - 15 um | Common for threaded steel hardware |
| Gold / Silver | ~ 0.5 - 5 um | Used on contacts and conductive zones |
If only certain zones require plating, uncoated areas must be masked during processing. Provide a 2D drawing that clearly identifies plated surfaces, no-plate zones, and cosmetic A-surfaces.
Parts need electrical contact during plating. Small rack marks or contact points may remain, so acceptable hidden contact locations should be defined on non-cosmetic surfaces whenever possible.
Steel, copper alloys, brass, and many machined substrates plate very well. Aluminum often requires special pretreatment and intermediate layers before final electroplating to ensure adhesion and coverage consistency.
Everything you need to know about adding electroplating to your CNC machining or sheet metal order with Huade Precision.
Yes. Nickel is a versatile engineering finish, zinc is ideal for anti-rust steel protection, tin improves solderability, and gold or silver are commonly selected for high-conductivity contact surfaces.
Electroplating typically adds several business days to the machining schedule, depending on the plating type, required thickness, masking complexity, pre-polish standard, and final inspection requirements.
Please include the desired plated metal, target thickness, cosmetic expectations, and any no-plate areas on your drawing. If the part includes threads, contact pads, or critical fits, call those features out clearly for DFM review.
Get a turnkey manufacturing solution. Upload your 3D CAD files today, and our engineers will provide a complete quote including machining, tolerances, plating selection, and surface finishing feedback.