Plating is a process commonly utilised across a range of sectors in which substrates are coated with a sacrificial layer to protect them against wear and corrosion. Zinc plating and zinc nickel plating are two of the most common forms of plating.

Zinc plating

Zinc plating is a cost effective process that is often referred to as galvanising. This process uses a hot dip galvanising bath to coat the substrate with a thin layer of zinc that protects it against inclement environmental conditions when in use and creates an attractive, shiny patina.

Zinc nickel plating

Often performed by companies such as www.swmf.co.uk/surface-coatings/zinc-nickel-alloy-plating, zinc nickel plating is a more complex process involving electroplating, in which the substrate is immersed in an acid bath and an electric current passed through it.

This process delivers enhanced corrosion protection and durability and can be applied to substrates that are complex shapes, where other forms of plating can be inadequate. Substrates that have been zinc nickel plated can withstand very high temperatures and considerable amounts of mechanical stress and friction.

Which is better?

Zinc plating and zinc nickel plating are both designed to protect substrate materials against wear and corrosion; however, selecting between them requires assessing the use case of the substrate to determine which process is most suitable.

Substrates that will be used in very harsh operating environments and subjected to considerable stress should be zinc nickel plated to ensure their longevity, while substrates that will be used in more controlled environments or where regular maintenance is possible may only require zinc plating.