High-Performance Corrosion Protection for Demanding Applications

Metal Finishing Group provides Zinc-Nickel Plating services, often referred to as Zinc Type IV in some specifications. This advanced alloy coating applies a precise mixture of zinc and nickel (typically 10-15% nickel) to ferrous metals, creating an exceptionally corrosion-resistant and durable finish. It is widely recognized as a superior alternative to cadmium plating in many applications due to its outstanding performance.

Zinc-Nickel plating is chosen when components require significantly higher corrosion protection than conventional zinc, excellent wear resistance, and the ability to withstand harsh environments without compromising part integrity. It is ideal for critical automotive components, aerospace parts, and military equipment where extended lifespan and reliability are paramount. This high-performance coating provides robust, long-lasting protection against red rust, even under severe conditions.

Our Zinc-Nickel Plating Capabilities: Ultimate Protection and Reliability

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

  • Superior Corrosion Resistance: Delivers significantly enhanced corrosion protection, often surpassing 1,000 hours of red rust resistance in salt spray testing, depending on the post-treatment.
  • Cadmium Alternative: Recognized as a viable and environmentally favorable alternative to cadmium plating in numerous high-performance applications.
  • Hardness and Wear Resistance: The nickel content contributes to increased hardness and improved resistance to abrasion and wear compared to pure zinc.
  • Uniform Coating: The electroplated process ensures a consistent and even coating thickness across complex part geometries.
  • Post-Treatment Options: Can be post-treated with clear, black, or yellow trivalent passivates to further enhance corrosion resistance and provide specific aesthetics.
  • Good Solderability: Maintains favorable solderability for electrical connections.
  • 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 ultimate performance requirements.
  • In-house Quality Verification: We conduct rigorous salt spray testing, thickness analysis (X-ray fluorescence), and adhesion testing to ensure coating integrity and compliance.

Properties of Zinc-Nickel Plating:

Zinc-Nickel plating imparts several key properties that ensure optimal performance and longevity for components in the most demanding conditions:

  • Exceptional Red Rust Protection: Provides an outstanding barrier against iron oxidation, significantly extending the service life of ferrous parts in corrosive environments.
  • Galvanic Compatibility: Offers favorable galvanic compatibility with aluminum, reducing galvanic corrosion when these metals are in contact.
  • Thermal Stability: Maintains its protective properties and integrity across a broad range of operating temperatures.
  • Uniformity: Ensures consistent protection and appearance across complex geometries.
  • Durable Finish: The alloy coating is hard and resistant to mechanical damage.
  • Environmental Responsibility: Provides a high-performance alternative to more hazardous coatings like cadmium.

Applicable Specifications We Adhere To:

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

  • ASTM B841: This is the primary specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Zinc-Nickel Alloy Deposits. It details various types and classes based on nickel content and post-treatment.
  • AMS 2417: (Often referenced for aerospace applications of Zinc-Nickel).
  • MIL-DTL-16232 (Type IV): While this specification primarily covers phosphate coatings, in some contexts, “Type IV” might refer to zinc-nickel for certain applications or OEM documents. We adhere to its general performance expectations when applicable.
  • Various automotive OEM specifications (e.g., Ford, GM, Chrysler, VW, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, often specifying their own internal standards for zinc-nickel).
  • And various customer-specific requirements for advanced corrosion protection.

Typical Zinc-Nickel Plating Applications:

Zinc-Nickel plating is vital for numerous applications across demanding industries:

  • Automotive Industry: Used extensively for brake components, fuel systems, fasteners, chassis parts, and engine components requiring extreme corrosion resistance.
  • Aerospace: Applied to landing gear components, fasteners, and hydraulic parts as a high-performance cadmium replacement.
  • Military and Defense: Protects components in weapon systems, vehicles, and ordnance requiring superior corrosion and wear resistance.
  • Heavy Industrial Machinery: Used for parts exposed to harsh chemicals, high humidity, or outdoor environments.
  • Marine Applications: Ideal for fasteners and components constantly exposed to saltwater spray and highly corrosive marine atmospheres.
  • Hydraulics: Protects cylinders, valves, and fittings from corrosion and wear.

Why Choose Metal Finishing Group for Zinc-Nickel Plating (Type IV)?

Metal Finishing Group is a trusted partner for high-quality Zinc-Nickel Plating. Our commitment to precise application and rigorous quality control ensures an exceptionally durable, corrosion-resistant, and high-performance finish for your most critical ferrous components. Partner with us for reliable metal finishing solutions that provide ultimate protection and maximum reliability, often serving as a preferred alternative in demanding applications.