Rack plating is an industrial process that is necessary for producing large and complex parts. It can also be used to make fragile parts. This type of procedure is commonly used for producing selective deposits or plating for different types of materials.
How does the Metal Plating Process Work?
Metal hooks are used to hold parts or materials into place. They are also used to provide electrical current during the process if it is needed. Once a part or material is connected to the racks they are submerged into a chemical solution that covers the item being dipped. Sometimes items are not submerged into a solution. Instead, they are sprayed while they hang from a rack. Some plating companies claim that this process is better for covering parts and materials.
Keep in mind that rack plated parts are normally positioned on coated metal racks. Plating technicians will properly place all materials onto a rack. They will also make adjustments to the size, shape and intricacy of parts. Configuration and unique design considerations will also be evaluated as well. Most rack plating parts are attached to racks, hooks, and clips.
What Types of Materials is Typically Plated?
Industries and manufacturers plate a wide variety of materials which include cadmium, gold, cobalt, nickel, tin, zinc, Babbitt and chromic. A rack plated process can cover all of these different substances and many more.
Benefits of Rack Plating
Rack plating provides great benefits for part coverings because it reduces the amount of damage to parts and materials that must be plated. There are plating processes that require items to be contained inside of large barrel-like contraptions. When parts are placed inside of these large barrels, they tend to collide and bang into each other. This of course will damage parts. This process is also optimal for clients that have large items that need to be plated as well.
Rack plating has some disadvantages. The process is labor intensive, and it sometimes has problems with thickness issues. This means that it probably should not be used for heavy duty applications where a thick plate coating is needed. This is also a more complex engineering process than other types of plating.
Ultimately, this process can help some parts producers, machining businesses and manufactures to save money on finishing cost with their products. Not only does rack plating protect items from damage it also helps to extend the life a product or material. For most plating needs, it is best to use a professional, like DeKalb Metal Finishing.
