
Rack plating differs from barrel plating in that the parts are affixed to metal racks with screws, wires or spring fingers. This causes the parts to remain stationary upon immersion of the metal rack into the plating solution. Consequently, metal platers prefer rack plating for delicate parts that might not be able to withstand the tumbling or cascading action produced by barrel plating. Rack plating also works well for large or complex components.
In addition to affording increased protection against damage to parts, the rack process can plate contours and intricate shapes more efficiently. Rack plating is the preferred choice in industries where a high-quality finish is paramount such as military and defense, automotive, medical and electronics. Disadvantages of rack plating include the higher cost and increased labour requirements. In many cases, it may be necessary to design and manufacture a customised rack for specialised applications.