Sonic Plating Inc. employs two types of the most common professional plating methods. We offer both “Barrel” and “Rack” line processes.
BARREL PROCESS
This process utilizes large cylindrical barrels where the product to be plated is placed inside. The barrels are porous and allow the flow of the plating chemicals to reach the product when dipped into the electroplating baths. Sonic Plating Inc. utilizes a mechanical barrel plating line in which the barrels rotate 360° in the submerged plating baths, thus ensuring a thorough and complete zinc and/or chromate coating on the product.
Sonic Plating Inc. has the ability and expertise to limit the rotational amount of the barrel while inside the plating solution. Many times the specific part(s) only need a small semi-rotational turn with slight oscillation to prevent damage of critical parts. At the time of the order, the customer must specify that they have a critical part they want barrel plated and we will gladly attempt to accommodate their request. We highly recommend that critical parts that are too susceptible to damage during the barrel process be plated on a “rack” process line.
RACK PROCESS
Rack plating provides the ability to plate heavy and/or bulky items on a hanging rack line. The rack line consists of a metal frame in which the item to be plated is suspended via racks and/or copper wire conductors. The part(s) to be plated is then dipped into the electroplating bath for a specified period of time, while gently being agitated either mechanically or by hand.
Rack plating is generally used for extremely critical and/or fragile parts that cannot be tumbled together as with barrel plating. Rack plating allows many items to be plated at the same time, yet the parts are isolated and never come into physical contact with each other throughout the plating process. This process prevents nicks, scratches or any other possible blemish to the finished product. Think of rack line plating as a “hand made” type of feature that gives more attention and control to the plated product.
Rack plating costs more than barrel plating. It takes more man-hours to physically prepare and handle each individual part in preparation for plating. However, the finish is generally more attractive.
