An electroplating plant is a line of tanks where parts are cleaned, plated with a metal such as zinc, nickel or chrome using electric current, rinsed and passivated or dried. Small parts tumble in rotating barrels; larger or delicate parts hang on racks. A rectifier supplies the low-voltage DC current, and an effluent treatment plant cleans the waste water.
Quick facts
- Plating
- Zinc, nickel, chrome, copper, tin, silver
- Methods
- Barrel (small parts), rack (large or delicate parts)
- Power
- Rectifiers giving low-voltage DC
- Line
- Degreasing, pickling, plating, rinsing, passivation, drying
- Automation
- Manual, semi-automatic or automatic hoists
- Effluent
- Treatment plant needed by pollution rules
Barrel or rack plating?
| Barrel | Rack | |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | Small, many (screws, nuts, washers) | Large or delicate parts |
| Cost per part | Low | Higher |
| Surface marks | Parts touch each other | Small contact mark |
| Even thickness | Good on small parts | Depends on racking |
Good to know
- Cleaning before plating decides adhesion
- Plating thickness is checked with a thickness meter
- Salt spray tests check corrosion resistance
- Consent from the pollution control board is needed to run a plant
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Questions
- Why do some plated parts peel?
- Usually poor cleaning before plating, so the plating does not bond to the base metal.
- What is passivation after zinc plating?
- A thin chemical coat (clear, yellow or black) that improves corrosion resistance and colour.
- Is chrome plating done in the same plant?
- Decorative chrome often is; hard chrome usually runs in separate tanks with its own controls.
The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 29 October 2026.