There are many factors to consider when selecting the most appropriate zinc coating. In addition to corrosion protection, the coating’s formability, adherence, appearance and cost should also be considered. These factors each impact on selecting the correct zinc coating for a given application. All zinc coatings, like the steel they protect, are recyclable.
Nickel electroplating is a technique of electroplating a thin layer of nickel onto a metal object. The nickel layer can be decorative, provide corrosion resistance, wear resistance, or used to build-up worn or undersized parts for salvage purposes
Zinc Plating and Passivate is an enhancement to zinc plating. Passivating the zinc surface can increase the surface layer and gives extra corrosion resistance.Clear or blue passivate. This tends to give a clear (i.e. silver) colour with a hint of blue.
The hint of blue can be tweaked to give a much bluer appearance. To give an idea of corrosion resistance a salt spray test will give 16 hours to white rust. Black passivate.
This is a mainly a cosmetic finish for its colour. Salt spray to 48 hours. Complete, full, yellow or iridescent passivate. Gives the best corrosion resistance anne gives a yellow/brassy type appearance. Salt spray to 96 hours.
Olive drab passivate. This is a dirty green colour used for MOD applications.