Electroplating is divided into specific processes such as copper plating, gold plating, silver plating, chromium plating, nickel plating and zinc plating. In the manufacturing field, zinc plating, nickel plating and chromium plating are the most widely used. There must be a difference between these three.

Galvanized

• Definition: Galvanizing
• refers to the surface treatment technology that coats the surface of metal, alloy or other materials with a layer of zinc for aesthetics, rust prevention and other functions.
• Features: low cost, general corrosion resistance, silvery white color.
• Application: screws, circuit breakers, industrial supplies, etc.

Nickel Plated

• Definition: A method of plating a layer of nickel on metal or certain non-metals through electrolysis or chemical methods is called nickel plating.
• Features: beautiful, can be used for decoration, high price, slightly complicated process, silvery white with yellow color.
• Application: energy-saving lamp holders, coins, hardware, etc.

Chrome

• Definition: Chromium is a bright white metal with a slight bluish tint. It is a method of plating a layer of chromium on metal or certain non-metals through electrolysis or chemical methods, which is called chromium plating.
• Features: There are two types of chromium plating. The first one is for decoration, with a bright appearance and good friction resistance. Its anti-rust ability is not as good as galvanizing but better than oxidation; the second one is to increase the hardness and wear resistance of metal parts. , which is the functionality of the part.
• Application: Bright decorative parts on home appliances, electronics and other products, tools, faucets, etc.

The Most Basic Differences Between the Three Types of Electroplating

• 1: Chrome plating is mainly to improve surface hardness, beauty and rust prevention. Chromium plating has good chemical stability and does not react in alkali, sulfide, nitric acid and most organic acids, but it can be dissolved in hydrohalic acid (such as hydrochloric acid) and hot sulfuric acid. Because chromium does not change color and can maintain its reflective ability for a long time when used, it is better than silver and nickel. The process is generally electroplating.
• 2: Nickel plating is mainly wear-resistant, anti-corrosion, and anti-rust. It is generally thin in thickness. The process is divided into two categories: electroplating and chemical.
• 3: Galvanizing is mainly for aesthetics and rust prevention. ZN is an active metal that can react with acid, so it has poor corrosion resistance and is the cheapest of the three.

Differences in Cost
Chrome plating is the most expensive, followed by nickel, and zinc is the cheapest. Among them, rack plating, barrel plating, etc. must also be distinguished. Rack plating is expensive, and barrel plating is cheap.

Can Also be Aistinguished by Color
Chrome plating is bright white, nickel plating is a little yellowish, and zinc plating is silver white (in fact, there are also colored zinc, gray zinc, matte chrome, bright chrome, white nickel, black nickel, etc.)