Electroplating

Electroplating deposits a metal layer on a prepared component. For hardware, it can provide the specified colour and lustre while contributing to wear and/or corrosion performance when the complete system is defined correctly.

Production capability: visit LIFU Hardware’s electroplating factory for colour development, sampling, automated rack plating and volume-production support.

Specification, preparation and rack points

Define the substrate, surface preparation, colour reference, gloss, coverage areas and relevant test requirements. A thin coating does not automatically hide casting flash, porosity, waviness or handling marks on a zinc-alloy part, so tumbling, grinding and polishing should be planned with the final appearance in mind.

The part also needs a reliable electrical contact and rack location. Rack points affect current distribution and can leave contact marks, so they are normally placed away from critical visible surfaces. Deep recesses, holes, sharp edges and masked areas may coat differently and should be identified during colour and texture development.

Rack plating, drying and cleaning

Rack plating holds parts at controlled contact points as they move through the specified sequence. An automated rack line can provide a consistent route for suitable programmes, while current, chemistry, dwell time, agitation and loading still require process control. After plating, cleaning and drying protect the finish before inspection and packing.

Figure — Rack-plating drying line for controlled handling of plated hardware.

Figure — Automated rack electroplating line for a repeatable plating route.

Figure — Post-plating cleaning before final drying, inspection and packing.

Why the plating bath is checked

Bath chemistry changes as parts are processed. The team checks concentration, pH, temperature and metal content, then replenishes it so colour, thickness and coverage stay consistent.

Part loading, current, time, temperature, rinsing and drying also affect the result. If colour or coverage changes, compare the batch with the physical reference sample and check these basic factors before continuing.

Control point	Why it matters	Useful production evidence
Solution ratio, concentration and pH	Keeps the chemistry inside its approved operating window	Laboratory test and replenishment record
Current, time, temperature and rack loading	Affects deposition rate, coverage and colour	Line setting and batch traveller
Rinsing, drying and handling	Reduces staining, residues and handling damage	Route check and inspection record
Approved colour sample	Defines the visual target for production	Signed master sample and viewing conditions

Figure — Laboratory area used for solution checks and controlled chemical replenishment.

Figure — Measured process data supports bath adjustment and technical review.

Figure — Rack and component checks link recorded process conditions to the actual plated result.

Multi-tone and antique effects

Multi-tone and antique appearances are intentional finish effects, not uncontrolled colour variation. They can use a base deposit followed by selective colouring, wiping, darkening or protective steps. Use an approved physical sample to define the intended depth, colour distribution and visible areas.

Figure — A finish board helps organise colour families, but production acceptance should follow the approved physical master sample.

Figure — Process equipment for a controlled multi-tone electroplated appearance.

Figure — Equipment used to create an antique-effect finish.

How to check the finished part

First compare colour, coverage, pits, burns, exposed base material, adhesion and handling marks with the physical sample. Then select corrosion, adhesion, thickness or chemical-resistance tests that match the intended use; test hours do not translate directly into service life.

Verification	What it confirms	Planning notes
Visual and colour comparison	Coverage, approved appearance, rack marks and handling damage	Use the approved physical sample and agreed viewing conditions.
Coating-thickness measurement	Deposit meets the approved thickness requirement	Define locations, gauge method and minimum reading quantity.
Cross-cut and tape adhesion	Coating remains bonded to the prepared substrate	State the cutting pattern, tape, number of pulls and rating method.
Humid ageing, including protective-film or leather-contact ageing	Finish stability after controlled heat and humidity exposure	Record the sample condition, checkpoints and acceptable appearance change.
Neutral salt spray or CASS (a harsher copper-accelerated salt spray)	Comparative corrosion resistance of the specified system	Select the applicable method, duration and failure definition; do not convert results directly to service life.
Alcohol, nitric-acid or other chemical-resistance check	Resistance to a defined handling or contact exposure	Use only an approved method and trained laboratory controls; specify solution, exposure and evaluation.

Before testing, define the sample condition, rack or cut-edge treatment, exposure duration, inspection interval and acceptance rule. Record whether failure means red or white corrosion, blistering, colour change, loss of adhesion or another agreed defect. A salt spray test can support comparative verification, but the test duration does not replace a complete coating specification and failure definition.

Figure — Salt-spray and ageing test equipment used to verify plated samples against an agreed method and acceptance rule.

Related terms

Finish routes · Preparation before coating · Colour control · Salt spray testing · Appearance and adhesion inspection