Alkaline zinc plating: anti-corrosion coating by electrodeposition

Surface treatment specialist Electropoli helps you ensure effective protection of your parts for the car, motorcycle, heavy transport vehicle, and even armaments industries by means of the alkaline zinc plating process. This surface treatment, whereby a zinc-based coating is deposited electrolytically, is exceedingly effective at preventing corrosion in steel base materials. How does alkaline electrolysis produce a zinc coating? How does it improve your parts? Electropoli explains all you need to know about alkaline zinc plating by electrolysis!

What is alkaline zinc plating?

Alkaline zinc plating, equally called cold galvanizing, electrolytic zinc coating, or electrogalvanization, uses electrolysis to deposit a layer of zinc on a steel base material in an alkaline medium, i.e., a basic (alkaline) pH aqueous solution.

Electrolytic zinc coating in an alkaline medium

The parts are first prepared (stripped down, degreased, cleaned, rinsed, etc.) then soaked in an alkaline solution containing zinc particles, ready for proceeding with electrolytic zinc coating. To do so, an electric current is applied in an alkaline bath causing the zinc particles to migrate to the cathode, which in our instance is the base metal. This technique of coating by electrolysis ensures the base metal will have good anti-corrosion properties as well as a top-grade finish.

Electrogalvanization specifics

Depending on the required result, other metals can be added to the zinc.

Furthermore, electrogalvanization is not limited to an alkaline medium. It can just as well be done in an acid medium, which also guarantees excellent anti-corrosion properties. Indeed, that’s exactly what our ZELTEC 1.1 and ZELTEC 2.4 surface treatments do!

Alkaline zinc plating properties

Whatever form the surface treatment operation takes, cold galvanizing gives the base metal great resistance to red rust. Alkaline zinc plating gives steel parts highly effective protection against corrosion, guaranteeing them a longer service life. The alkaline zinc plating treatment can also be tuned to improve the strength, toughness, and other mechanical properties of the base metal.

Last but not least, with electrolytic zinc coating, you can always achieve a great finish. The parts thus treated have a wonderfully uniform appearance. You can even obtain various coloured finishes on the parts: shades of grey, black, etc.

Bespoke surface treatment by electrogalvanization

Do you want to cold galvanize your metal parts for the automotive, armaments, aerospace, or other sectors? Alkaline zinc plating specialist Electropoli provides you with all types of surface treatment. In order to ensure a good fit with your market and to best match your needs, we can carry out these surface treatments in any of our French, Polish, or Czech factories. Transport logistics, preparation, treatment, delivery, etc. We are able to set up ideal protocols with you to assist you in your business and take the weight off your mind.

Discover our alkaline zinc plating treatments