Transparent Protection for Steel Components

Metal Finishing Group provides Zinc Clear Plating services, applying a protective zinc coating followed by a clear chromate conversion coating. This process creates a transparent, silvery-white finish on steel and iron components, offering significant sacrificial corrosion resistance and a clean, natural metallic appearance.

Zinc Clear plating is chosen when components require excellent protection against rust, a bright finish, and good electrical conductivity. It is ideal for fasteners, automotive parts, and general industrial hardware where both performance and a subtle aesthetic are crucial. This durable coating provides reliable protection against rust and environmental elements, with options for different chromate chemistries and various levels of supplementary treatment.

Our Zinc Clear Plating Capabilities: Versatility and Clarity

We offer precise Zinc Clear Plating services, ensuring a uniform and high-quality deposit for your critical components.

  • Sacrificial Corrosion Protection: The zinc layer actively corrodes before the base metal, safeguarding steel and iron components from rust.
  • Clear Chromate Finish: Applies a transparent chromate conversion coating over the zinc, enhancing corrosion resistance while preserving the zinc’s silvery-white appearance.
  • Type I (Hexavalent) Clear Chromate: Offers a robust, iridescent clear finish providing strong corrosion resistance, typically used where specifications require it.
  • Type III (Trivalent) Clear Chromate: Provides a more environmentally friendly alternative, achieving comparable corrosion resistance with a similar clear aesthetic. This process is increasingly preferred for its reduced environmental impact.
  • Supplementary Treatment Levels: We offer treatments to meet various corrosion resistance requirements, commonly referred to as SC 1 (moderate corrosion resistance) and SC 2 (improved corrosion resistance), as defined by applicable standards. Higher levels (SC 3, SC 4) are available on dedicated pages.
  • Good Electrical Conductivity: Maintains favorable electrical properties, suitable for many electrical components.
  • Rack and Barrel Plating: We accommodate both rack and barrel plating methods to suit various part sizes and production volumes.
  • Thickness Control: We achieve precise plating thicknesses to meet specific design and performance requirements.
  • In-house Quality Verification: We conduct salt spray testing to confirm the corrosion resistance performance of the coated parts.

Properties of Zinc Clear Plating:

Zinc Clear plating imparts several key properties that enhance the performance and longevity of components:

  • Excellent Corrosion Resistance: The combination of zinc and clear chromate provides robust protection against rust and environmental factors.
  • Clean Aesthetic: Offers a professional and appealing transparent metallic appearance.
  • Cost-Effective Protection: Provides a reliable and economical solution for enhancing the durability of ferrous metals.
  • Good Adhesion for Topcoats: Can serve as a base for subsequent organic coatings if desired, though often used as a final finish.
  • Electrical Conductivity: Maintains the ability for current flow, important for electrical assemblies.

Applicable Specifications We Adhere To:

Our Zinc Clear plating processes consistently meet or exceed crucial industry standards, ensuring the quality and performance of your components. We regularly process to:

  • ASTM B633: This specification defines electrodeposited coatings of zinc on iron and steel.
    • Type I: Refers to zinc with hexavalent chromium clear passivation.
    • Type III: Refers to zinc with trivalent chromium clear passivation.
    • We offer supplementary corrosion resistance levels such as:
      • SC 1: A specific level of corrosion resistance, typically for mild exposure (e.g., minimum 24 hours to white corrosion).
      • SC 2: An improved level of corrosion resistance, suitable for more demanding environments (e.g., minimum 72 hours to white corrosion).
  • And various customer-specific requirements for enhanced corrosion protection.

Typical Zinc Clear Plating Applications:

Zinc Clear plating is vital for numerous applications across various industries:

  • Automotive Industry: Used for fasteners, brake components, chassis parts, and various under-hood and visible components.
  • Industrial Hardware: Protects machine components, tools, and brackets from rust.
  • Fasteners: Enhances corrosion resistance and provides a uniform, natural metallic finish for bolts, nuts, and washers.
  • Consumer Goods: Used for hardware, fixtures, and other items requiring a protective yet discreet finish.
  • Electronic Components: Provides corrosion protection and conductivity for various electronic parts and enclosures.

Why Choose Metal Finishing Group for Zinc Clear Plating?

Metal Finishing Group is a trusted partner for high-quality Zinc Clear plating. Our commitment to precise application and rigorous quality control ensures a durable, corrosion-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing transparent finish for your steel and iron components. Partner with us for reliable metal finishing solutions that enhance the longevity and performance of your parts.