Quality Control
Plating quality is decided long before the part reaches the plating tank. The two things that matter most are pretreatment and current distribution, and they are also the two things a buyer cannot inspect after the fact. Here is how we control them.
| Control point | What we do |
|---|---|
| Pretreatment | Degreasing, pickling, and activation. Residual oil or oxide in a weld joint or a recess is the usual root cause of peeling and bare spots. |
| Racking & current distribution | Racking is designed per part family. On wire mesh, edges burn and centers go bare if the racking and current density are not matched to the geometry. |
| Coating thickness | Measured on request by X-ray or cross-section. Specify your range in the drawing and we will hold to it. |
| Corrosion resistance | Verified by neutral salt spray (NSS) testing. Our parts meet a 72-hour standard, and longer durations can be discussed. |
| Food contact | Parts that contact food are plated to US FDA and German LFGB standards. |
What to Put in Your Specification
The clearer your spec, the fewer surprises on both sides. We recommend you state: the base material and its condition; the finish (for example, nickel undercoat plus decorative chrome); the coating thickness range and the measurement method; the salt spray duration and the acceptance criteria; and the appearance standard, including whether a mirror finish is required. Anything you leave unspecified becomes a negotiation later, and that is bad for both of us.
Test reports and certification documents can be provided on request during qualification.