Both mechanical plating and galvanizing are room-temperature processes in which metal coatings are applied to parts without electricity (as in electroplating) and without high heat (as in hot-dip galvanizing). The parts to be coated are tumbled in a lined barrel containing water, proprietary chemicals, metal powder, special promoters, and glass impact beads. The slurry of glass beads cushions the parts from one another, minimizing damage to edges and sharp corners, while carrying the plating materials and mechanical energy into holes and recesses. The mechanical energy generated from the barrel's rotation is transmitted through the glass impact beads and causes the spherical metal particles to be peened flat into a metallurgical bond; first to the substrate and subsequently to previously plated particles to build up the desired coating thickness. Once the mechanical plating procedure has been completed, the parts are then rinsed and given a final water polish to brighten and consolidate the coating. Parts coated with the mechanical plating and galvanizing process do not need baked after processing for relief of hydrogen embrittlement.

Benefits and Features

Additional Features and Benefits of Mechanical Galvanizing