Xmake provides zinc, nickel, chrome, copper, and gold electroplating for CNC machined parts and sheet metal components - with precision masking, RoHS-compliant processes, and integrated quality control from prototype to production.
Function
Applicable Materials
Plating Types
Coating Thickness
Corrosion Resistance
Electroplating is a surface finishing process that uses electric current to apply a thin metal coating onto a metal part. During the process, the part is placed in a solution containing metal ions, which form a smooth and uniform coating on the surface. The plating layer can improve corrosion resistance, wear resistance, electrical conductivity, or decorative appearance depending on the deposited metal. Common plating metals include zinc for corrosion protection, nickel for wear resistance and conductivity, chrome for hardness and decorative finish, and gold or silver for electrical contacts.
Electroplating is widely used for CNC machined parts, stamped components, fasteners, and electronic connectors where enhanced surface properties are required without significantly affecting part geometry. Coating thickness is typically controlled within 1-50 μm through adjustment of current density and plating time.
Design Tip: Electroplating coats unevenly on complex geometries. Edges and corners usually receive thicker coatings, while recessed areas receive thinner coverage. Critical thickness zones, threads, and press-fit features should be marked for masking on the drawing.
We offer a full range of electroplating options. The right choice depends on your part's functional requirements, operating environment, and appearance needs.
Cost-effective corrosion protection for steel and iron parts. Zinc acts as a sacrificial anode, corroding before the base metal, and passivation can add protection and color options.
Provides excellent corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and a bright decorative finish. Also used as an undercoat before chrome plating to improve adhesion and surface smoothness.
Produces the hardest electroplated surface with excellent wear and abrasion resistance. Decorative chrome provides a mirror-bright finish.
Excellent electrical conductivity and commonly used as an undercoat before nickel or chrome plating. Also provides EMI/RF shielding for electronic enclosures.
Ultra-low contact resistance and excellent oxidation resistance. Used for precision electrical contacts and aerospace components where long-term reliability is critical.
Choose zinc for cost-effective corrosion protection on steel parts. Choose nickel for wear resistance, conductivity, or as a chrome undercoat. Choose chrome for maximum hardness or mirror-bright decorative finish. Choose gold for critical electrical contacts. Our engineers will recommend the right plating system based on your requirements.
Contact usEach material requires specific pretreatment to ensure strong plating adhesion and uniform coating quality.
Carbon Steel / Alloy Steel
Applications
Fasteners · Brackets · Shafts · Structural parts
Available Plating
Zinc · Nickel · Chrome · Copper
Notes: The most straightforward substrate for electroplating. Acid pickling and activation before plating.
Carbon Steel / Alloy Steel
Applications
Fasteners · Brackets · Shafts · Structural parts
Available Plating
Zinc · Nickel · Chrome · Copper
Notes: The most straightforward substrate for electroplating. Acid pickling and activation before plating.
Before and after comparison of our electroplating work on real parts.
Different finishing processes serve different needs. This comparison helps you choose the right one for your application.
| Feature | Electroplating | Anodizing | Powder Coating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Substrate | Most metals | Aluminum only | Metals only |
| Coating Type | Metal layer deposited | Oxide layer grown from substrate | Polymer powder cured |
| Thickness | 1-50 μm | 5-75 μm | 60-120 μm |
| Hardness | Up to 900+ HV | Up to 600 HV (Type III) | Low-moderate |
| Conductivity | Can improve (copper, gold, silver) | Insulating | Insulating |
| Best For | Conductivity · Hardness · Decorative metal finish | Aluminum corrosion/wear protection | Thick corrosion barrier · Color variety |
Choose electroplating when you need electrical conductivity, extreme surface hardness, or a metallic decorative finish. Choose anodizing for aluminum parts requiring wear protection. Choose powder coating for maximum corrosion barrier with color options.
Contact usXmake integrates electroplating with CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, and other finishing processes in one streamlined workflow.
Plating thickness, bath chemistry, and surface preparation are controlled throughout production. Precision masking protects threads, bores, and mating surfaces per your drawing specifications.
No outsourcing delays. Parts move directly from machining to plating on a coordinated schedule, with turnaround as fast as 5 business days.
400+ CNC machines with integrated finishing capabilities, managed under ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 standards. All chrome processes use RoHS-compliant trivalent chromium. NDA available upon request.
400+
CNC Machines
ISO 9001
Certified
ISO 13485
Certified
100%
Inspection Coverage
Have more questions? Our engineering team is ready to help you choose the right plating solution.
Building A, Jinsheng Finance Building, No. 217 Nanhuan Road, Bao'an District.
MAKE DIRECT HOLDINGS LIMITED Unit 1111, 11/F, Hollywood Plaza, 610 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong
