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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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What is mechanical zinc plating?
Q. 1. What is the mechanical Zinc plating?
2. What is (are) the process(es) involved or how is zinc applied to the parts?
3. What are the major differences compared with electro-zinc-plating and Hot Dip (Galvanized) in terms of cost and corrosion resistance?
- Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, USA
2003
A. I believe it is high velocity spraying the material with zinc powder. The impact energy splatters it all over the material and converts it to a coating. I do not know how tenacious it is, but I would expect it to be improved if the substrate is heated first. I do not even know how widespread the process is, but I bet it is fun to do!
Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2003
A. The mechanical Zn is applied by means of flakes of Zn metal along with vibrating the pieces against these flakes that are deposited by the continuous friction against them. The main advantage is that the embrittlement is avoided by I hydrogenate of the pieces, because not existing a electrolysis process. The price is more expensive that the electrolytic process. The galvanized in hot contributes a great thickness near of 100 microns approx., which protects to the piece against the red corrosion, but very slightly against white rust. No it is been worth for pieces with great exigencies of aspect and dimensional levels very reduced and holes or spiral drills. The Price is elevated in relation to electrolytic Zn. I feel my bad English language.
Best regards,
Miguel Angel Martín
surface finishing shop
Madrid, Spain
2003
A. Mechanical plating is also known as sherardizing. Enter this term in the search engine of this site and you'll find all about it. Miguel, the trick is that the zinc is mixed with glass beads which act as "transportation aid". Choosing the right diameter of these beads, makes it possible to enter cavities or cover the thread on bolts completely.
The process Trevor mentions is known as "flame spraying". The same search engine comes up with a lot of info on entering this searchword.
Remmelt Bosklopper
- Enschede, The Netherlands
2003
Editor's Note: March 2004 edition of Metal Finishing Magazine contains an article by Dr. Benu Chatterjee on sherardizing, page 40. Remmelt's message is helpful and correct and appreciated, except that "sherardizing" is a different process (a gaseous diffusion process) than the mechanical plating that he describes.
Q. Can the zinc plating be colored using the mechanical plating process?
TJ Schmidt- Roseville, Michigan
2007
A. Hi TJ. Please take a paragraph to describe your own situation. I cannot understand your situation so I don't feel I can answer your question in a non-misleading way.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
April 22, 2013
Q. Sir,
What is Mechanical Zinc Plating ?
- Faridabad, Haryana, India
April 17, 2013
A. Mechanical plating deposits a layer of zinc over the surface of the items to be plated by friction. the result is a zinc-coloured matte finish, and corrosion resistance similar to galvanising. I've seen it done in a cement mixer, I've also seen zinc-loaded wire-wheels for for use in angle grinders ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] .
Jasen Betts- chch nz
March 31, 2018
A. Thanks Jasen.
Hi Anup. Angel Martin's and Jasen Betts' descriptions are correct. Plating Systems and Technologies [a finishing.com supporting advertiser] is a major supplier and can tell you all there is to know :-)
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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