As an OEM, hiring a company to provide specific services, including zinc nickel alloy plating services, includes trusting the company hired to get the job done correctly. However, as with any type of outsourcing, having a basic understanding of the process and what is required can help in questions, seeking information, and in making the choice of the best partner.
Experience Does Matter
While zinc nickel alloy plating is not a new process, it is also not an easy process to master. Each alloy requires a specific setup of the process, and it is only through experience that companies providing metal finishing get good at what they do.
Always look for the company with the experience and proven track record in working with other OEMs in your industry. Most of the companies offering zinc nickel plating have some degrees of expertise with the process. However, the companies with a past history of providing plating for the automotive industry and other similar companies are comfortable in working to both very specific industry standards as well as well-defined tolerances as to the thickness of the plating across even complex shapes and part configurations.
What Else?
While zinc nickel alloy plating can be a stand-alone process, it is also a process that can be used when bondable rubber to metal is a requirement. This is also a factor in the automotive industry, where bonding rubber to metal parts helps to reduce noise, vibration and wear and tear between two metal parts.
Keep in mind, all plating with zinc nickel alloy can also be followed with a coat of black or clear trivalent passivates, providing an additional level of surface protection. This is an ideal option if RoHS compliance is required for export or domestic use of the parts and components.