Barrel Zinc Plating

WHAT IS BARREL PLATING?

As the name implies, barrel plating entails placing the parts inside a barrel typically constructed of polypropylene. The barrel contains center cathodes that conduct the electrical current. The barrel rotates slowly while immersed in the electrolytic plating solution. This causes the parts to tumble or “cascade,” which provides an even, uniform coating application. Typical barrel plating applications include enhancing corrosion protection, increasing aesthetic appeal and producing an engineering finish that protects the parts against wear and tear.

Barrel plating offers a cost-effective means of plating a high volume of small, durable parts such as stampings and fasteners. It also works well for plating parts of various shapes and sizes. Barrel plating is less labour-intensive than rack/vat plating, which ultimately results in a lower process cost to the customer. On the downside, most barrel plating techniques require a low electrical current, which can increase the time that the parts are exposed to the plating solution.