Enhanced Corrosion and Paint Adhesion with a Transparent Finish

Metal Finishing Group provides Zinc-Iron Clear Plating services, often designated as Zinc Type V in industry specifications. This advanced alloy coating applies a precise mixture of zinc and iron to ferrous metals, creating a highly effective layer for enhanced corrosion protection and superior adhesion for subsequent coatings. The process is then finished with a clear chromate conversion coating, maintaining a clean, natural metallic appearance.

Zinc-Iron plating is chosen when components require improved sacrificial corrosion resistance compared to pure zinc, excellent compatibility with organic topcoats like paint and powder, and a discreet, clear finish. It is ideal for automotive fasteners, chassis components, and industrial parts where long-term durability, reliable paint adhesion, and a subtle appearance are critical. This robust coating provides strong protection against rust and environmental elements, with options for various levels of supplementary treatment.

Our Zinc-Iron Clear Plating Capabilities: Optimized for Performance and Adhesion

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

  • Sacrificial Corrosion Protection: The zinc-iron alloy layer corrodes sacrificially, actively protecting steel and iron components from rust, with the clear chromate further boosting performance.
  • Superior Paint Adhesion: The unique morphology of the zinc-iron deposit and subsequent chromate provides an exceptional base for paint, powder coating, and other organic finishes, ensuring strong and lasting adhesion.
  • Clear Chromate Finish: Applies a transparent chromate conversion coating over the zinc-iron, enhancing corrosion resistance while preserving the alloy’s natural metallic look.
  • 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 and adhesion tests to ensure compatibility with topcoats.

Properties of Zinc-Iron Clear Plating:

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

  • Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: Provides strong protection against rust and environmental factors, often outperforming pure zinc in certain corrosive conditions.
  • Excellent Paint Base: Creates an ideal surface for subsequent painting, significantly improving adhesion and preventing chipping or peeling.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: Offers a balance of high performance and economic viability for various applications.
  • Clean, Transparent Aesthetic: Offers a professional and appealing metallic appearance without adding color, preserving the component’s original look.
  • Reliable Electrical Conductivity: Maintains the ability for current flow, important for electrical assemblies.

Applicable Specifications We Adhere To:

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

  • ASTM B633 (Type V): This specification defines electrodeposited coatings of zinc-iron alloy on iron and steel. Type V refers specifically to zinc-iron with a chromate conversion coating. We offer supplementary corrosion resistance levels such as:
    • SC 1: A specific level of corrosion resistance, typically for mild exposure.
    • SC 2: An improved level of corrosion resistance, suitable for more demanding environments.
  • And various customer-specific requirements for enhanced corrosion protection and paint adhesion.

Typical Zinc-Iron Clear Plating Applications:

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

  • Automotive Industry: Used for fasteners, chassis components, fuel lines, and under-hood parts requiring superior paint adhesion and corrosion resistance.
  • Industrial Hardware: Protects machine components, tools, and brackets that will be painted or powder coated.
  • Fasteners: Enhances corrosion resistance and ensures strong paint adhesion for bolts, nuts, and washers.
  • Electronic Components: Provides robust corrosion protection and conductivity for various electronic parts and enclosures that require painting or a discreet finish.
  • Construction: Used for components that require both corrosion resistance and a durable paint or powder coat.

Why Choose Metal Finishing Group for Zinc-Iron Clear Plating (Type V)?

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