What is the difference between chrome plating, nickel plating, and zinc plating

In industrial design, we often use electroplating technology. First, let's understand what electroplating is:

Electroplating is the process of using the principle of electrolysis to deposit a thin layer of other metals or alloys on the surface of certain metals. It is a process that uses electrolysis to attach a layer of metal film to the surface of metal or other material parts, thereby preventing metal oxidation (such as rust), improving wear resistance, conductivity, reflectivity, corrosion resistance (such as copper sulfate), and enhancing aesthetics.

Electroplating can be divided into specific processes such as copper plating, gold plating, silver plating, chromium plating, nickel plating, and zinc plating. In the field of industrial design, zinc plating, nickel plating, and chromium plating are particularly widely used. And there must be some difference between these three, right?

01 Galvanized

Definition: Galvanization refers to the surface treatment technology of coating a layer of zinc on the surface of metal, alloy or other materials for aesthetic and rust prevention purposes.

Features: Low cost, average corrosion resistance, silver white color.

Applications: Screws, circuit breakers, industrial supplies, etc.

    

02 Nickel plating

Definition: The method of depositing a layer of nickel on a metal or some non-metal by electrolysis or chemical methods is called nickel plating.

Features: Beautiful, can be used for decoration, high price, slightly complex craftsmanship, color is silver white with a hint of yellow.

Applications: energy-saving lamp heads, coins, etc.

03- Chrome plating

Definition: Chromium is a silver white metal with a slight blue color, which is plated with a layer of chromium on metal or some non-metal by electrolysis or chemical methods, called chrome plating.

Features: There are two types of chrome plating. The first is for decorative purposes, with a bright appearance and good wear resistance. Its rust prevention ability is not as good as galvanizing, but better than oxidation; The second method is to increase the hardness, wear resistance, etc. of metal parts, which is the functionality of the parts.

Application: Bright decorative parts on household appliances, electronics and other products, faucets, etc.

Expanded Knowledge

Electroplating production mainly relies on wastewater and heavy metal pollution in wastewater. The country has strictly controlled the expansion of the electroplating industry and has been reducing it year by year.

China's electroplating processing mainly includes galvanizing, copper plating, nickel plating, and chromium plating, with galvanizing accounting for 50% and copper plating, chromium plating, and nickel accounting for 30%.

If the purpose is to prevent rust, galvanizing or cadmium plating can be used; If the focus is on preventing wear, nickel plating or chrome plating is the best choice.