PLATING SOLUTIONS
FSD Precision provides functional metal plating solutions for CNC machined, stamped and die cast components requiring corrosion resistance, conductivity, wear protection and controlled surface performance.
DIRECT ANSWER
Protection against oxidation and harsh environments.
Improved conductivity and contact reliability.
Enhanced surface durability for moving components.
Controlled coating buildup for precision assemblies.
CAPABILITY MATRIX
Plating selection is reviewed around base material, corrosion exposure, conductivity needs, wear behavior and critical dimensions.
Ideal for precision parts requiring uniform plating inside holes, bores and complex features, with no edge effect and uniform deposition on blind holes and threads.
Useful for functional metal parts requiring corrosion resistance and smooth metallic surface performance.
Cost-effective rust protection for steel brackets, fasteners and industrial hardware.
Functional chrome coating for shafts, sliding surfaces and wear-resistant mechanical interfaces.
MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY
Base material, pretreatment and surface activation influence plating adhesion, corrosion performance and dimensional results.
| Material | Recommended Plating |
|---|---|
| Steel | Zinc / Nickel / Chrome |
| Stainless Steel | Electroless Nickel |
| Copper | Nickel / Gold |
| Brass | Nickel / Gold |
| Aluminum | Special Surface Preparation |
| Die Casting | Engineering Evaluation |
ENGINEERING REVIEW
Plating buildup may affect threads, holes, bores and mating surfaces. Engineering team reviews coating allowance during DFM to maintain final assembly requirements.
High-strength steels may require de-hydrogenation baking after plating to reduce hydrogen embrittlement risk.
Masking areas are reviewed before plating to protect threads, bores and electrical contact surfaces.
FINISH GALLERY
Common functional finishes are selected for corrosion resistance, conductivity, wear protection and controlled surface behavior.
WORKFLOW
A controlled plating workflow helps align surface performance, dimensional control and OEM inspection requirements.
QUALITY VERIFICATION
Finished plated surfaces are checked against coating thickness, adhesion, corrosion resistance, surface condition and dimensional requirements before release.
XRF thickness measurement supports non-destructive verification of nickel, zinc, chrome and electroless nickel plating on precision OEM components.
Plated parts can be checked for adhesion, salt spray resistance, surface continuity and critical post-plating dimensions before shipment.
Inspection results are reviewed against drawing requirements, functional surfaces, assembly interfaces and customer documentation expectations.
Need plating inspection documentation for your project? Share drawings, plating type and critical surfaces for engineering review.
Request Plating Quality ReviewAPPLICATIONS
Functional plating supports precision components where corrosion resistance, conductivity, wear behavior and final fit matter.
Hardware, brackets and precision features requiring corrosion and wear protection.
Conductive contact surfaces and housings requiring reliable electrical behavior.
Functional metal components exposed to wear, handling and production environments.
Precision parts requiring clean finish control and documented inspection.
High-value hardware requiring dimensional review and surface performance.
Precision automation parts where coating control supports assembly reliability.
COMPARISON
Select the finish around base material, functional surface requirements and final assembly constraints.
| Finish | Material | Conductivity | Wear Resistance | Typical Thickness | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plating | Steel, copper, brass, selected aluminum | High depending on finish | Good to excellent | 5-50 µm | Conductivity, corrosion and wear protection |
| Anodizing | Aluminum | Insulating oxide layer | Good, excellent for hardcoat | 5-25 µm | Aluminum corrosion protection and surface hardness |
| Powder Coating | Metal parts | Generally insulating | Good coating durability | 60-120 µm | Durable color and protective appearance |
Need aluminum surface treatment or organic coating instead? Explore our Anodizing Solutions and Powder Coating Services.
RELATED SERVICES
Connect plating requirements with anodizing, powder coating, polishing and quality verification across the full OEM surface finishing workflow.
FAQ
Electroless nickel plating is an autocatalytic plating process that deposits a uniform nickel-phosphorus coating without electrical current, making it useful for complex precision components, holes, bores and internal features.
Electroless nickel plating provides more uniform coating thickness on complex geometry, while electroplated nickel uses electrical current and can be useful for corrosion resistance, wear protection and smooth metallic appearance.
Yes. Plating adds coating thickness to the surface and can affect threads, holes, bores, mating faces and assembly interfaces. Critical dimensions should be reviewed before plating.
Coating thickness is controlled through process parameters, masking plans, inspection requirements and non-destructive measurement methods such as XRF coating thickness verification when required.
Plated parts can support precision fit requirements when coating allowance, masking and final inspection are planned before production. Final capability depends on material, feature geometry, plating type and tolerance stack-up.
High-strength steel parts may require hydrogen embrittlement relief through appropriate process control and post-plating baking. Requirements should be defined before quotation and production.
Aluminum can be plated, but it requires special surface preparation and engineering evaluation because aluminum oxide and alloy composition affect adhesion and final plating quality.
Please provide 3D CAD files, 2D drawings, base material, plating type, required coating thickness, masking zones, critical dimensions, corrosion or conductivity requirements and expected inspection documentation. You can also review our RFQ Checklist to streamline your quotation request.
ENGINEERING RFQ
Share your drawings, base material, plating type and critical surface requirements. Our team reviews coating thickness, masking and inspection needs before quotation.
