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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Electro plating VS Powder coating ?

Hi. I'm looking for an alternative process of electroplating that gives corrosion resistance as well as, a good decorative aspect. Can I substitute a zinc plating (passivated and sealed) for a powder coating process, with the same properties. I need to protect an automotive ball joint. Thank you.

Alfonso Bustos Garcia
- Valladolid SPAIN
2000

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2000

Powder coating is basically the process of painting by:

• applying powder to the part, and then
• putting it into an oven and melting the powder so it flows like wet paint.

Therefore the finished surface has paint on it, organic paint, and it behave very similarly to paints that have been applied through other means.

Electroplating is the application of metal to the surface.

If there are no scratches or chips in a painted finish, it will usually outperform plating in terms of corrosion resistance. But plating forms an actual metallic bond onto the plated part so the adhesion is infinitely better than a powder coating bond, and a scratch in a zinc plated surface will have little effect on its corrosion resistance.

So, generally speaking, plating is the better finish if there is wear and moving parts.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey