One of the essential finishing procedures for metal parts manufacturers is electroplating. It is important to choose the right electroplating method to get the optimal and everlasting product. The two most popular electroplating services are rack and barrel plating services. Both of them use different methods for electroplating. This article explains the difference between the two methods so you can choose the right one for your next project.
What is electroplating?
Electroplating is a process where a surface is coated with another metal through electrolysis. The main principle behind the process is that a positive metal ion deposits over a negative metal ion when electricity is passed to them via an aqueous solution (metal salt). The electric current passes through the solution and deposits the positive ions on the negative metal ion.
Metal parts manufacturers around the globe widely use electroplating to coat the finished products because:
- It creates a protective layer to reduce friction due to wear and tear.
- It imparts a long-lasting shine to the product
- It protects the metal-stamped parts from abrasion.
- It improves the product’s resistivity towards a tendency to change its aesthetics.
What Are Barrel Plating Services?
Barrel Plating is an electroplating process that places metal parts inside a barrel, usually made of polypropylene. The barrel’s center bars conduct the electrical current. Next, the barrel is immersed into the electrolytic plating solution. While doing so, the barrel rotated slowly to tumble the metal parts. This tumbling effect is responsible for an even coating application.
The benefits of using barrel plating are that it:
- Improves protection against corrosion
- Enhances aesthetic protection
- Reduces maintenance cost for finished metal parts
- Works well for high-volume metal parts of all sizes and shapes.
Barrel Plating services- cost:
The electroplating method requires less labor and a smaller initial investment than rack plating. Therefore, the total operational cost is less. It lowers the cost to the customer.
However, barrel plating requires a low electrical current. It increases the production time, which indirectly affects the total cost for electroplating service providers.
What are Rack Plating Services?
Rack plating is an electroplating process where parts are fixed on metal racks with tools like screws, wires, and spring fingers. The rack is immersed into the plating solution. The screws, wires, or spring fingers, ensures that the parts remain stationary during this process.
Unlike barrel plating, rack plating does not involve tumbling.
Therefore, metal parts manufacturers prefer this method for plating delicate metal parts that cannot withstand any tumbling or cascading action. It is also a popular alternative to barrel plating the large and complex metal components, as it can easily accommodate such metal parts on the racks.
The benefits of Rack plating are that it:
- Perfectly coats metal parts with complex contours and intricate shapes
- Provides high-quality finish with sterling shine
- Keeps the metal parts safe from damage as it is fixed to the racks.
Rack plating services- costs
Rack plating involves the design of a customized rack for different applications. This increases the labor requirements and hence the operational cost.
Conclusion
Barrel and rack plating are popular electroplating methods for different applications. Barrel plating is a cost-effective electroplating solution for small and medium-sized metal parts. These parts usually do not require a high-quality finish. On the other hand, rack plating is suitable for metal parts that have intricate designs. It is also a preferred choice for metal parts that require a high-quality finish, like automobile parts.
