Zinc casting alloys are renowned for their high electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as their resistance to corrosion and oxidation. Because of their low viscosity and low melting point compared to other metals such as copper, aluminum, and magnesium, zinc alloys are particularly well suited for die casting into small, intricate sizes or shapes. These characteristics make them an excellent candidate for use in electrical, automotive, and hardware applications. Is it possible to use chrome plating on zinc die casting, though? Yes, and here's how to do it.

When Is Chrome Plating on Zinc Die Casting Used and What Are the Benefits of It?
Exterior components for the automotive industry are one of the most common uses for chrome plating on die casting, and they are also one of the most expensive. On die casting, nickel chrome plating is used to coat logos and emblems, headlight casings, front grilles and hood ornaments, window and panel trim, door handles, console trim and buttons, and other parts of the vehicle. Chrome plating on die casting can be used for a variety of mechanical parts outside of the automotive industry, including locks, batteries, gears, pinions, and other similar items.

What is the best method for plating chrome onto zinc die castings?

First and foremost, you must understand what you are doing. Clean the Zinc Die Casting before using it.

Preparing the base material for chrome plating on zinc die casting products begins with a thorough cleaning. This may entail removing grease from the die casting or cleaning it to remove any surface impurities that have accumulated over time. This is an essential step in any plating process if you want to achieve a smooth, even surface finish.

Pretreatment of the Die Casting is the second step.
If you are plating chrome over zinc die casting, the prepreating process is especially important because highly acidic and alkaline solutions can dissolve zinc if they are not prepared properly before plating. To prevent this from happening, coat the zinc die castings with a thin layer of cyanide copper flash before casting. This will adhere to both the zinc die casting products and the chrome plating, ensuring that the two metals will be compatible with one another in the long run.

Step Three: Apply the plating to the surface.
From there, plate several layers of metal onto the zinc die castings to achieve the desired effect. Copper is used to increase electrical conductivity in the first place. Add a layer of nickel on top of that to increase corrosion resistance. Finally, chrome is applied to the surface to provide additional corrosion resistance and durability, as well as the characteristic chrome sheen that is characteristic of chrome.

Step Four: Buff or polish the surface.
Finish the surface by buffing or polishing it in preparation for use in electrical, automotive, or hardware applications. We recommend that you use robotic polishing services because they are more efficient and less labor intensive than manual polishing services, and they also take significantly less time to complete.