Plating

At Coating Systems Inc., our electroplating processes are optimized by Faraday’s Law, ensuring precise and consistent metal deposition. Electroplating involves applying a layer (or layers) of metal onto a metallic surface by passing a positively charged current from an anode (typically the plating metal) through a metal ion solution to a cathode (the part being plated).

Our functional and decorative electroplating capabilities include:

  • Zinc
  • Tin
  • Nickel
  • Zinc-Nickel Alloy
  • Copper

We also offer advanced finishing services such as:

  • Electroless Nickel Plating – for uniform coverage and enhanced wear/corrosion resistance
  • Stainless Steel Passivation – to improve corrosion resistance by removing free iron from the surface

Whether for enhanced appearance, conductivity, corrosion protection, or wear resistance, our plating solutions are tailored to meet the most demanding industry specifications.

See our other capabilities

Electroless Nickel

Electroless nickel plating is a chemical plating process that uses heat, chemical complexors, and stabilizers—rather than electrical current—to deposit a uniform layer of nickel-phosphorus alloy onto a substrate. This process ensures even coverage across complex geometries, including internal surfaces and recessed areas.

The presence of phosphorus results in a harder, more wear-resistant deposit than traditional electrolytic nickel plating. It is especially effective for plating aluminum, and also serves as an excellent base layer for gold or silver plating.

  • No Bake
    (MIL-C-26074 Class 1)
  • 450º F, 2 OR MORE HOURS.
    (MIL-C-26074 Class 2)
  • 375º F +/- 25º, 1–1.5 HOURS
    (MIL-C-26074 Class 3)
  • 250º F, 1–1.5 HOURS
    (MIL-C-26074 Class 4)
  • .0010” MIN THK
    (MIL-C-26074 Grade 1)
  • .0005” MIN THK
    (MIL-C-26074 Grade 2)
  • .0015” MIN THK
    (MIL-C-26074 Grade 3)
  • No Heat
    (ASTM-B733 Class 1)
  • 250–400°C
    (ASTM-B733 Class 2)
  • 180-200°C, 2-4 Hours
    (ASTM-B733 Class 3)
  • 120-130°C, 1 Hour
    (ASTM-B733 Class 4)
  • 140-150°C, 1 Hour
    (ASTM-B733 Class 5)
  • .000004” THK MIN THK
    (ASTM-B733 SC0)
  • .0002” THK MIN THK
    (ASTM-B733 SC1)
  • .0005” THK MIN THK
    (ASTM-B733 SC2)
  • .001” THK MIN THK
    (ASTM-B733 SC3)
  • .003” THK MIN THK
    (ASTM-B733 SC4)
  • No Bake
    (AMS-2404 Class 1)
  • 450º F, 2 OR MORE HOURS.
    (AMS-2404 Class 2)
  • 375º F +/- 25º, 1–1.5 HOURS
    (AMS-2404 Class 3)
  • 250º F, 1–1.5 HOURS
    (AMS-2404 Class 4)
  • .0010” MIN THK
    (AMS-2404 Grade 1)
  • .0005” MIN THK
    (AMS-2404 Grade 2)
  • .0015” MIN THK
    (AMS-2404 Grade 3)

Zinc Plating

Zinc plating is an electrolytic process used primarily for corrosion protection. Zinc acts as a sacrificial coating, corroding in place of the underlying metal—typically steel—to extend the life of the part.

We offer a variety of chromate conversion coatings to enhance corrosion resistance and appearance, available in:

  • Blue (clear)
  • Yellow
  • Black
  • RoHS-compliant finishes (upon request)

Zinc plating is a cost-effective solution for parts requiring moderate corrosion resistance and is widely used in automotive, industrial, and hardware applications.

  • Zinc Only
    (ASTM-B633 Class 1)
  • Zinc Black
    (ASTM-B633 Type 2)
  • Zinc Yellow
    (ASTM-B633 Type 2 or 6)
  • Zinc Clear
    (ASTM-B633 Type 2, 3, or 5)
  • .0002” MIN
    (ASTM-B633 FE/ZN5 SC1)
  • .0003” MIN
    (ASTM-B633 FE/ZN8 SC2)
  • .0005” MIN
    (ASTM-B633 FE/ZN12 SC3)
  • .0010” MIN
    (ASTM-B633 FE/ZN25 SC4)

Tin Plating

Tin plating is available in both bright and matte finishes, and is widely used in soldering applications due to its excellent solderability and corrosion resistance.

Tin is a soft, ductile, and cost-effective metal, making it ideal for components that require a readily solderable surface without compromising electrical conductivity or surface integrity. It also serves as a protective coating to prevent oxidation and extend the lifespan of base metals.

Tin plating is commonly used in the electronics, aerospace, and automotive industries, particularly where RoHS compliance and lead-free finishes are required.

  • Electrodeposited

    (MIL-T-10727 Type 1)

  • .0001” THK
    (ASTM-B545 Service Class A)
  • .0005” MIN THK
    (ASTM-B545 Service Class A)
  • .0015” MIN THK
    (MIL-C-26074 Grade 3)

Zinc-Nickel Plating

Zinc-nickel plating is an alkaline alloy coating, typically composed of 12%–15% nickel to zinc, and is used to protect steel, copper, and brass substrates. This alloy offers superior corrosion resistance, making it an ideal choice for high-performance applications.

Zinc acts as a sacrificial layer, corroding before the base metal to extend part life—while the addition of nickel significantly enhances durability and resistance to harsh environments.

Zinc-nickel is widely recognized as an environmentally responsible alternative to cadmium plating, offering similar protective qualities without the environmental concerns.

Commonly used in the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries, zinc-nickel plating is well-suited for applications requiring high corrosion protection, wear resistance, and RoHS compliance.

  • As-Plated Without Supplementary Treatment
    (AMS 2417 Type 1)
  • As-Plated With Supplementary Chromate Treatment
    (AMS 2417 Type 2)
  • Non-Hexavalent
    (AMS 2417 Grade B)

Stainless Steel Passivate

Stainless steel passivation is a chemical cleaning process recommended for removing surface contaminants, particularly free iron particles left behind from machining or fabrication. These contaminants, if not removed, can compromise the corrosion-resistant properties of stainless steel and lead to premature rust or oxidation.

Passivation effectively cleans and descales the surface without altering the base metal, restoring the natural protective chromium oxide layer that gives stainless steel its excellent corrosion resistance.

This process is essential for applications in medical, aerospace, food processing, and precision manufacturing where cleanliness and material integrity are critical.

  • Low Temperature Nitric Acid
    (AMS-2700 Type 6)
  • Medium Temperature Nitric Acid
    (AMS-2700 Type 7)
  • Passivation in Nitric Acid
    (AMS-2700 Method 1)
  • Passivation in Citric Acid
    (AMS-2700 Method 2)
  • Standard Practice for Cleaning, Descaling, and Passivation of Stainless Steel Parts, Equipment, and Systems
    (ASTM A380)
  • 20-45 v% Nitric Acid, 70-90ºF, 30 minutes minimum
    (ASTM-A967 Nitric 2)
  • Other combinations of temperature, time, and acid concentrations
    (ASTM-A967 Nitric 5)
  • 4-10 w% Citric Acid, 140-160ºF, 4 minutes minimum
    (ASTM-A967 Citric 1)
  • 4-10 w% Citric Acid, 120-140ºF, 10 minutes minimum
    (ASTM-A967 Citric 2)
  • 4-10 w% Citric Acid, 70-120ºF
    (ASTM-A967 Citric 3)
  • Other combinations of temperature, time, and acid concentrations
    (ASTM-A967 Citric 4)

Bright Nickel Plating

Bright nickel plating is an electrolytic process that provides both corrosion protection and a high-luster, cosmetic finish. The smooth, reflective surface enhances the appearance of parts while forming a durable barrier between the base metal and corrosive environments.

Bright nickel can be used as a standalone decorative finish or as a base layer for additional plating processes such as chrome, gold, or silver, improving adhesion and extending durability.

Commonly used in automotive, appliance, hardware, and consumer products, bright nickel plating delivers a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal.

  • .0016″ THK
    (QQ-N-290 Grade A)
  • .0012″ THK
    (QQ-N-290 Grade B)
  • .0010″ THK
    (QQ-N-290 Grade C)
  • .0008″ THK
    (QQ-N-290 Grade D)
  • .0006″ THK
    (QQ-N-290 Grade E)
  • .0004″ THK
    (QQ-N-290 Grade F)
  • .0002″ THK
    (QQ-N-290 Grade G)
  • Corrosion Protection
    (QQ-N-290 Class 1)

Gold Plating

Gold plating offers excellent corrosion and tarnish resistance, along with low contact resistance and outstanding electrical conductivity—making it ideal for electronic and high-reliability applications.

In addition to its functional properties, gold plating provides superior solderability and a clean, attractive finish. It is commonly used in the aerospace, medical, telecommunications, and electronics industries where performance and durability are critical.

Available in a range of thicknesses, gold plating can be tailored to meet specific military, aerospace, or commercial specifications.

  • 99.7% GOLD MIN
    • (MIL-G-45204 TYPE 1)
  • 99.0% GOLD MIN
    • (MIL-G-45204 TYPE 2)
  • .00002″ THK MIN
    • (MIL-G-45204 CLASS 00)
  • .00003″ THK MIN
    • (MIL-G-45204 CLASS 0)
  • .00005″ THK MIN
    • (MIL-G-45204 CLASS 1)
  • .0002″ THK MIN
    • (MIL-G-45204 CLASS 3)
  • .0003″ THK MIN
    • (MIL-G-45204 CLASS 4)
  • .0005″ THK MIN
    • (MIL-G-45204 CLASS 5)
  • KNOOP 130-200
    • (MIL-G-45204 GRADE C)

Copper Plating

Copper plating provides a bright, shiny finish that can be further polished or buffed for enhanced cosmetic appeal. Due to its excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance, and soft, malleable nature, copper is often used as an undercoat for subsequent plating processes such as nickel, gold, or silver.

It enhances adhesion, smooths surface imperfections, and improves overall plating quality—making it ideal for electrical components, decorative finishes, and multi-layer plating systems.

  • .00010″ THK MIN
    (MIL-C-14550 Class 4)
  • .00020″ THK MIN
    (MIL-C-14550 Class 3)
  • .00050″ THK MIN
    (MIL-C-14550 Class 2)
  • .00100″ THK MIN
    (MIL-C-14550 Class 1)
  • .001″ – .005″ THK MIN
    (MIL-C-14550 Class 0)

Silver Plating

Silver plating offers good corrosion resistance and is renowned for being the best electrical conductor among plating metals. While it provides excellent solderability, this property may diminish over time as the surface naturally tarnishes.

Silver’s hardness can vary depending on the plating process, and it delivers superior lubricity and anti-smear characteristics, making it ideal for electrical contacts, connectors, and precision components.

Though silver tarnishes more easily than some other finishes, its combination of conductivity, solderability, and wear resistance makes it a preferred choice in many high-performance applications.

  • SEMI BRIGHT
    • (QQ-S-365 TYPE 2)
  • WITH ANTI TARNISH
    • (QQ-S-365 GRADE A)
  • WITHOUT ANTI TARNISH
    • (QQ-S-365 GRADE A)
  • 99.9% SILVER MIN
    • (ASTM-B700 TYPE 1)
  • 99.0% SILVER MIN
    • (ASTM-B700 TYPE 2)
  • 98.0% SILVER MIN
    • (ASTM-B700 TYPE 3)
  • WITHOUT ANTI TARNISH
    • (ASTM-B700 CLASS N)
  • WITH ANTI TARNISH
    • (ASTM-B700 CLASS S)
  • SEMI-BRIGHT
    • (ASTM-B700 CLASS D)

Allow us to work on your metal finishing requirements

Our experienced team will work with you to determine the best quality and most economic process for your product.

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