Zinc plating’s main objective is to prolong the life of metallic parts by protecting them from external elements like oxygen and moisture, which can cause corrosion and degradation.
Selecting the appropriate zinc plating type is essential to ensuring our goods operate at their best. This blog will discuss the main nuances between Type I and Type II zinc plating so that you can make wise choices.
What is Zinc Plating?
Zinc plating is the technique of applying a thin layer of zinc to a metal surface. Usually, electroplating is used for this, in which the metal component is immersed in a solution containing zinc, and an electric current is sent through it, causing the zinc to stick to the metal surface.
Zinc plating is mostly used to improve corrosion protection. By corroding before the underlying metal does, zinc serves as a sacrificial layer that shields it from rust and other types of deterioration.
Sheet metal and stamp part manufacturers use zinc plating to increase the durability and marketability of their goods, which greatly benefits them.
Type I Vs. Type II Zinc Plating
Type I and Type II zinc plating, both widely used for corrosion protection, differ primarily in their surface preparation and appearance. Type I zinc plating is typically a dull, silver-grey finish with a lighter etch. In contrast, Type II plating features a shinier, more uniform, and often blue-tinted finish due to a heavier etch and chromate passivation. However, both provide the same degree of protection against corrosion.
Type I Zinc Plating
- Appearance: Dull, silver-grey finish.
- Surface Preparation: Lighter etch on the metal surface, leaving some residual contaminants.
- Corrosion Resistance: Offers good corrosion resistance and is suitable for mild to moderate environments.
- Uses: Commonly used for stamping, fasteners, and various small parts where a less refined finish is acceptable.
- ASTM B117 Test: Often used for testing corrosion resistance, with Type I typically achieving a certain number of hours of protection from red rust.
- No Additional Treatment: Type I plating typically doesn’t include any additional chromate or phosphate treatments.
Type II Zinc Plating
- Appearance: Shiner, more uniform, and often blue-tinted finish.
- Surface Preparation: Heavier etch to remove contaminants, resulting in a cleaner surface.
- Corrosion Resistance: Provides good corrosion resistance, comparable to Type I.
- Additional Treatment: Type II often involves chromate passivation, which can enhance corrosion resistance, especially in moderate to severe environments.
- Uses: Suitable for applications where a cleaner, more uniform finish is desired, such as screws, light switch plates, and parts in interior or mildly corrosive conditions.
- ASTM B117 Test: Can achieve higher corrosion resistance than Type I in the ASTM B117 test.
- Chromate Passivation: The addition of a chromate treatment can enhance the corrosion resistance of Type II plating.
Custom sheet metal fabrications frequently use Type II plating to satisfy a variety of industry requirements, where component durability and appearance are crucial. Due to its extensive advantages, Type II is frequently the preferred option when component visibility and improved protection are required.
Zinc plating applications
Because of its affordability and reliable performance, zinc plating is frequently utilized in a variety of industries, including construction, automotive, and aerospace. It is a good solution for parts that must survive harsh environments while retaining their integrity over time. Furthermore, zinc plating can enhance the look of metal components, increasing their appeal for applications involving direct contact with customers.
The following metals are frequently plated with zinc:
Mild steel or carbon steel: Steel is the most often zinc-plated sheet metal. It gains many benefits from the corrosion protection that zinc plating provides, making it appropriate for a variety of uses.
Stainless Steel: Although stainless steel is naturally corrosion-resistant, in exceptionally hostile conditions, zinc plating can offer an extra layer of defense. However, this is less prevalent due to stainless steel’s intrinsic corrosion resistance.
Galvannealed steel: It is a kind of steel that has been heat-treated after being zinc-coated to produce a matte finish that improves paint adhesion.
HSLA steel: In structural applications where weight and strength are crucial, high-strength low-alloy steel, or HSLA steel, is utilized. Zinc plating preserves this steel’s mechanical qualities while preventing corrosion.
Aluminum: In extremely demanding situations, zinc plating can improve aluminum’s corrosion resistance, even though aluminum naturally generates a protective oxide coating. Although less frequent, it is used in several marine and aerospace applications.
Copper and Brass: Zinc plating is another option for copper and brass, mainly to increase their electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion. These metals are frequently found in electrical parts.
Contract manufacturers in India offer customized solutions to meet these various demands, guaranteeing both affordability and excellence in industrial settings.
Selecting the Best Zinc Plating for Your Requirements
It is crucial to comprehend the differences between Type I and Type II zinc plating to make well-informed judgments that best meet your manufacturing needs. Each has a role in the industrial environment, whether it is the sophisticated, aesthetically pleasing finish of Type II or the strong yet fundamental protection of Type I.
Choosing the right zinc plating type can have a huge impact on the longevity and efficiency of your systems as experts in the industrial automation field. Discover how Violin Technologies’ customized, well-engineered solutions may improve your production processes by exploring our services.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between Type I and Type II Zinc Plating?
Type I is pure zinc, while Type II includes chromate coatings for enhanced corrosion resistance.
2. Which Type offers better protection against rust?
Type II provides superior corrosion resistance due to its additional chromate coating.
3. Where is Type I Zinc Plating commonly used?
Type I is ideal for indoor applications or environments with minimal exposure to harsh conditions.
4. Why choose Type II over Type I?
Type II is preferred for outdoor or high-moisture environments where extra protection is needed.