WE Metalworks logo with manufacturing and surface finishing tagline
WE Metalworks logo with manufacturing and surface finishing tagline
ELECTROPLATING

Electroplating
for Custom Metal Parts

We provide electroplating for custom metal parts requiring corrosion protection, controlled surface properties and consistent appearance, including zinc, nickel and chrome plating solutions.

ELECTROPLATING CAPABILITIES

Electroplating Options for Custom Metal Parts

We provide zinc, nickel and chrome plating for custom metal components, supporting corrosion protection, controlled surface properties and finished appearance for industrial and OEM applications.

The appropriate plating process depends on the base material, service environment, functional requirements and desired appearance.

✓
FINISH SELECTION

Plating selection should consider base material, corrosion requirements, appearance, wear conditions, mating surfaces and the final application.

TYPICAL PLATED SURFACES

Compare Zinc, Nickel and Chrome Plated Finishes

Zinc, nickel and chrome plating create different combinations of corrosion protection, metallic appearance and functional surface performance on custom metal components.

The appropriate plating system should be selected according to the base material, service environment, required appearance, dimensional requirements and intended application of the finished part.

Zinc plated fasteners with clear yellow and black surface finishes
ZINC PLATING
01 CORROSION PROTECTION

Zinc Plating

Zinc plating is commonly selected for steel components where economical corrosion protection is the primary requirement. Different post-treatment systems can also produce clear, yellow or black surface appearances.

TYPICAL USES

Fasteners · brackets · stamped parts · general steel hardware

SURFACE CHARACTER

Functional protective finish with clear, yellow or black post-treatment appearance.

Explore Zinc Plating
Bright nickel plated cap nuts with smooth metallic surface finish
NICKEL PLATING
02 BRIGHT METALLIC FINISH

Nickel Plating

Nickel plating can provide a smooth and uniform metallic surface while supporting corrosion resistance, appearance control and selected functional requirements on suitable metal components.

TYPICAL USES

Precision parts · hardware · connectors · decorative components

SURFACE CHARACTER

Smooth silver metallic appearance with a brighter and more refined visual finish.

Explore Nickel Plating
Decorative chrome plated lug nuts with bright reflective metallic finish
CHROME PLATING
03 DECORATIVE BRIGHT FINISH

Decorative Chrome Plating

Decorative chrome plating is selected where a bright, reflective metallic appearance is required together with a durable finished surface for visible metal components and hardware.

TYPICAL USES

Lug nuts · decorative hardware · trim parts · visible components

SURFACE CHARACTER

Bright reflective chrome appearance intended primarily for decorative and visible finished surfaces.

Explore Chrome Plating
✓
PROCESS SELECTION

Surface Appearance Alone Should Not Determine the Plating Route

Zinc, nickel and chrome plating serve different protective, functional and appearance requirements. Base material, corrosion exposure, coating thickness, dimensional control and service conditions should be reviewed together before the final plating process is selected.

PROCESS & PRODUCTION CONTROL

From Part Preparation to Plating Inspection

Electroplating performance depends on more than the deposited metal layer. Surface preparation, electrical contact, process control and final inspection all influence the finished result.

The exact process sequence is adjusted according to the base material, plating system, part geometry and specified finish requirements.

Metal parts mounted on plating racks during electroplating preparation
Racking and part preparation before electroplating
01

Surface Preparation

Parts are cleaned and prepared according to the base material and required plating system so the surface is suitable for subsequent processing.

02

Racking & Electrical Contact

Components are mounted on suitable racks or fixtures to provide electrical contact, controlled exposure and stable handling during the plating process.

03

Controlled Plating

The selected metallic coating is deposited under controlled process conditions according to the required plating system and part specification.

04

Rinsing & Post-Treatment

Parts are rinsed and, where required, receive appropriate post-treatment according to the finish and performance requirements of the plating system.

05

Final Inspection

Finished parts are checked against defined appearance, dimensional and project-specific acceptance requirements before release.

QC
PROCESS CONTROL

Critical surfaces, rack contact locations, masked areas and inspection requirements should be identified before production when they affect part function or finished appearance.

DESIGN & PLATING CONSIDERATIONS

Key Details to Define Before Electroplating

Electroplating should be reviewed together with the part drawing, base material, critical dimensions and final assembly requirements before production.

Identifying controlled surfaces, masked features and inspection requirements in advance helps reduce unnecessary rework and supports more consistent plating results.

01

Base Material

The substrate material should be confirmed before plating because material type influences surface preparation and process selection.

02

Critical Dimensions

Close-tolerance diameters, fits and mating features should be identified so the finished plated condition can be considered during manufacturing.

03

Threads & Bores

Threaded holes, precision bores and other assembly features should be reviewed where plating may affect fit, function or final dimensions.

04

Masked Areas

Selected surfaces can be protected when plating is not required on electrical contacts, mating areas, threads or other critical features.

05

Rack & Contact Locations

Electrical contact is required during plating, so acceptable rack or contact locations should be considered for controlled or appearance-sensitive surfaces.

06

Appearance & Inspection

Required finish appearance, functional surfaces and acceptance criteria should be defined according to the intended use of the part.

DWG
DRAWING REQUIREMENTS

Critical dimensions, masked areas, contact locations, mating surfaces and finish requirements should be identified on the drawing whenever they affect part function, appearance or final inspection.

TYPICAL PARTS

Metal Parts Commonly Finished with Electroplating

Electroplating can be applied to a wide range of custom metal components where corrosion protection, metallic appearance or specific functional surface properties are required.

The appropriate plating system depends on the base material, part geometry, operating conditions and final application.

01

Machined Components

CNC machined housings, shafts, fittings and precision parts requiring protective or functional plated surfaces.

02

Brackets & Mounts

Fabricated and stamped brackets, supports and mounting components requiring corrosion protection or controlled appearance.

03

Fasteners & Hardware

Screws, bolts, threaded components and other hardware where protective plating and consistent batch appearance are important.

04

Electrical Components

Contacts, terminals, connectors and related metal components with defined surface and electrical performance requirements.

05

Industrial Hardware

Metal handles, fittings, fixtures and equipment components exposed to handling, moisture or industrial service environments.

06

Custom OEM Parts

Custom components manufactured to drawing with specified plating, masking, dimensional and inspection requirements.

✓
APPLICATION REVIEW

Send us the part drawing, base material and intended application so the plating process can be reviewed together with dimensional, masking and appearance requirements.

ELECTROPLATING PROJECT REVIEW

Need Electroplating for Your Custom Metal Parts?

Send us your drawing, base material, required quantity and plating requirements. We can review zinc, nickel or chrome plating together with masking, critical dimensions, appearance and inspection needs before quotation.

Helpful Information to Send
01
Drawing / CAD File

Part geometry, tolerances and controlled surfaces.

02
Base Material

Steel, copper alloy or other substrate information.

03
Required Quantity

Prototype, sample or expected production volume.

04
Plating Type

Zinc, nickel, chrome or required finish information.

05
Critical / Masked Areas

Threads, mating surfaces, contacts or protected features.

06
Finish & Inspection

Appearance, functional or acceptance requirements.