Zinc and Zinc Alloy Plating

Recommended Time & Experience: Some experience or training in the art and science of electro plating, zinc, or zinc alloy’s is recommended.  For those a few years away from taking any chemistry courses, the online Chemistry Refresher course offered by NASF FOUNDATION is highly recommended, but not required as a pre-requisite. 

Description:  This course provides an in-depth understanding of the pre-treatment, application of topcoats, zinc plating and zinc alloy plating out of both acid and alkaline electrolyte solutions. 

Core Elective: Master Surface Finishers (MSF) designation. 

Designed For: But not limited to: Operators with some level of zinc or zinc alloy plating experience including but not limited to plating line work, supervisors,‎ sales personnel serving metal finishers and managers.‎

Course Content Level:  Intermediate to Advanced (200 to 300 Level)

Approx Hours to Complete:  12 Hours‎

Learning Objectives:  Those completing this course and/or earning a certificate in Zinc & Zinc Alloy Plating are able to demonstrate:

  • Expertise in each step of the zinc plating or alloy plating process from preparation to ‎final inspection.‎
  • A comprehensive understanding of acid and alkaline cyanide and non-cyanide plating of zinc and zinc alloys including iron, cobalt, and nickel.
  • The ability to anticipate, recognize, diagnose, troubleshoot, and correct surface ‎finishing ‎discrepancies, anomalies, or defects.‎
  • Competence in matching plating strategy to the end-use application and ‎environment. ‎

Course Options

  • In-Person

    Dates: June 4-7, 2024
    Registration Deadline: June 8, 2024
    Location: Atlanta, GA
    Member: $900 | Non-Member: $1,200

  • In-Person Exam

    Date: June 8, 2024
    Registration Deadline: June 8, 2024
    Location: Atlanta, GA
    Member: $160 | Non-Member: $240

  • Web-Based

    Dates: October:  29, 30, November: 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20
    Registration Deadline: October 21, 2024
    Member: $975 | Non-Member: $1,300 

Course Description

1. Electroplating Basics for Zinc Platers
This lesson provides basic chemical, electrochemical and metallurgical background that will allow the student to make basic calculations of current density and plating times for both rack and barrel plating of zinc and zinc alloys.
2. Introduction-Historical Development & Applications of Zinc Coatings
This lesson provides an introduction to zinc coatings from a historical perspective, followed by a discussion of economics, corrosion mechanisms, and methods used to apply zinc coatings (mechanical plating, electroplating, hot dip galvanizing and fake diffusion processes).
3. Preparing Parts for Zinc Plating & Post Plate Baking
This lesson will provide guidance on preparing substrates for zinc plating. Covered are ultrasonic cleaning, vapor degreasing, soak cleaning, electrocleaning, descaling and acid pickling.
4. Cyanide Zinc Plating
This lesson explores the chemical make-up and operational conditions for the cyanide-based zinc plating solutions used by the metal finishing industry. Special focus is given to the function of and control over individual ingredients in each process. Common contaminants and methods of removal and treatment are discussed.
5. Alkaline Non-Cyanide Zinc Plating
This lesson explores the chemical make-up and operational conditions for the alkaline non-cyanide based zinc plating solutions used in metal finishing. Special focus is given to the function of and control over individual ingredients in each process. Common contaminants and possible methods of removal and treatment are discussed.
6. Chloride Zinc Plating
This lesson provides chemical make-up and operational conditions for the acid chloride-based zinc plating solutions used in metal finishing. Special focus is given to the function of and control over individual ingredients in each process. Common contaminants and methods of removal and treatment are discussed.
7. Zinc Alloy Plating, Part 1: Zinc-Nickel
This lesson provides chemical make-up and operational conditions for the alkaline and acidic zinc nickel plating solutions used in the metal finishing industry. Special focus is given to the function of and control over the individual components of common contaminants and possible methods of removal and treatment.
8. Zinc Alloy Plating, Part 2: Zinc-Cobalt
This lesson provides chemical make-up and operational conditions for the alkaline and acidic zinc cobalt plating solutions used in metal finishing. Special focus is given to the function of and control over individual ingredients in each process. Common contaminants and possible methods of removal and treatment are discussed.
9. Zinc Alloy Plating, Part 3: Zinc-Iron
This lesson provides chemical make-up and operational conditions for the alkaline and acidic zinc iron plating solutions used in metal finishing. Special focus is given to the function of and control over individual ingredients in each process. Common contaminants and methods of removal and treatment are discussed.
10. Chromate Conversion Coatings over Zinc and Zinc Alloys
This lesson provides chemical make-up and operational conditions for hexavalent and trivalent chemical conversion coatings for zinc and zinc alloy deposits. A major focus is good operating practices that produce the highest level of corrosion resistance.