Metal Hardware Electroplating Process Flow Chart
Raw Hardware Parts
│
▼
┌─────────────────┐
│ Surface Cleaning │
│ (Degreasing) │
└─────────────────┘
│
▼
┌─────────────────┐
│ Pickling / │
│ Rust Removal │
└─────────────────┘
│
▼
┌─────────────────┐
│ Water Rinsing │
└─────────────────┘
│
▼
┌─────────────────┐
│ Surface │
│ Activation │
└─────────────────┘
│
▼
┌─────────────────┐
│ Undercoat │
│ Plating │
│ (Cu/Ni, Optional)│
└─────────────────┘
│
▼
┌─────────────────┐
│ Main Plating │
│ (Zn/Ni/Cr/Cu/ │
│ Ag/Au) │
└─────────────────┘
│
▼
┌─────────────────┐
│ Water Rinsing │
└─────────────────┘
│
▼
┌─────────────────┐
│ Passivation / │
│ Sealing │
└─────────────────┘
│
▼
┌─────────────────┐
│ Drying │
└─────────────────┘
│
▼
┌─────────────────┐
│ Polishing │
│ (Optional) │
└─────────────────┘
│
▼
┌─────────────────┐
│ Quality Control │
│ Thickness Test │
│ Adhesion Test │
│ Appearance Check│
└─────────────────┘
│
▼
┌─────────────────┐
│ Packaging & │
│ Shipment │
└─────────────────┘Simplified Process Flow
Raw Parts → Degreasing → Pickling → Rinsing → Activation → Electroplating → Rinsing → Passivation → Drying → Inspection → Packaging
Typical Electroplating Sequences
Decorative Chrome Plating
Steel Part
↓
Copper Plating
↓
Nickel Plating
↓
Chrome Plating
↓
Finished ProductZinc Plating for Corrosion Protection
Steel Part
↓
Degreasing
↓
Pickling
↓
Zinc Plating
↓
Passivation
↓
Finished ProductHigh-End Decorative Plating
Steel/Brass Part
↓
Copper Plating
↓
Nickel Plating
↓
Gold/Silver Plating
↓
Protective Coating
↓
Finished ProductKey Process Parameters
| Process Step | Typical Parameters |
|---|---|
| Degreasing | 40–70°C, 5–15 min |
| Pickling | Room temperature, 1–10 min |
| Electroplating | 20–60°C |
| Current Density | 1–10 A/dm² |
| Passivation | 30 sec–5 min |
| Drying | 60–120°C, 10–30 min |
| Coating Thickness | 5–50 μm (depending on specification) |
This flow chart represents the standard electroplating process for most metal hardware components, including zinc plating, nickel plating, chrome plating, copper plating, silver plating, and gold plating.
