Products made from steel offer superior strength and durability, but they have one major flaw: corrosion. Even the strongest steel alloys can be weakened or destroyed by rust if just a small part is left exposed to the environment. Zinc plating offers a reliable, long-lasting way to prevent corrosion in steel components that does not wear off easily like paint. It’s a popular choice for protecting wheels and casters used in demanding industrial or commercial facilities and high-salt environments like coastal areas.
The Benefits of Zinc Plating
Zinc plating creates a thin, sacrificial layer of zinc over a steel component, with the zinc corroding much slower than the steel. The process is relatively simple, but there are several distinct zinc plating benefits:
- Corrosion resistance: Because zinc corrodes so slowly, it offers long-term protection for steel. Unlike paint or other barrier coatings, it does not need to be 100% continuous to prevent rust.
- Cost-effectiveness: Zinc plating is less costly than powder coating or epoxy paints, offering better effectiveness. It will last longer than standard paints without the need for constant re-coating and maintenance.
- Aesthetics: Depending on the type of zinc plating, it can have an attractive silver finish, an iridescent yellow finish, or a clear coating that shows off the underlying steel. These finishes will look great for a long time after they are applied.
Zinc plating can benefit steel wheels and casters, as well as components such as electronics, automotive parts, steel beams, guardrails, fasteners, fencing, garbage cans, water troughs, and more.
Call RWM Casters today to learn more about our zinc-plated products, such as corrosion-resistant casters and zinc-plated wheels.
Our Zinc Plating Services
At RWM Casters, we offer a full range of zinc plating services that can be customized to meet your needs, with thicknesses that range from 0.0002 inches to 0.02 inches and a choice of four types of zinc plating:
- Type 1: Silver finishes with up to 75 hours of protection from red rust using ASTM B117 salt spray /fog test.
- Type 2: Iridescent yellow chromate finish with up to 250 hours of protection from red rust during ASTM B117 testing.
- Type 3: Clear chromate finish with up to 200 hours of protection from red rust during ASTM B117 testing.
- Type 4: Zinc with a phosphate conversion coating
We offer in-depth quality assurance for all our product lines, with a wide range of tests depending on the product. In addition to zinc plating casters and wheels, we also offer custom zinc plating for other components.
Why Choose Us?
At RWM Casters, we have been a leading manufacturer of industrial casters in the United States since 1935. We are the originators of the first kingpinless caster design, which is stronger and lasts longer than competing products. We feature unsurpassed industry expertise, experience, and unparalleled customer satisfaction. With the best lead times in the market industry, the highest quality, and competitive pricing, we can be your go-to choice for all your custom caster needs.
Contact us today for more information about our casters, zinc plating services, and more.
Zinc Plating FAQs
How much maintenance does a zinc-plated finish require?
Occasional cleaning and applying a post-plating sealant can help a zinc finish last as long as possible.
How long does zinc plating last?
It depends on the type of zinc plating, its thickness, and the application. Some coatings will last several months, while others can last years or decades. Exposure to moisture and salt will reduce the useful life of the coating.
What is the difference between galvanizing and zinc plating?
Zinc plating uses electricity to deposit the zinc onto the steel, while the galvanizing process covers the steel in molten zinc. Zinc plating is more cost-effective, but galvanizing can produce a thicker coating.
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