Galvanizing chemicals and common “problems” of plating

In the mechanical engineering, steel production, industrial component manufacturing, and metalworking industries, galvanizing is considered one of the important solutions for protecting material surfaces from oxidation and corrosion. However, to create a highly durable, bright, and export-standard coating, selecting the right chemicals and controlling the surface treatment process, especially the galvanizing chemicals, is crucial.

Many businesses today still face problems with plating, such as burning, pitting, peeling, or rapid discoloration, despite investing in modern plating systems. According to surface treatment experts, the main causes stem from the quality of plating chemicals and imbalances in the operating process.

Zinc plating – A “protective armor” for metals against harsh environments.

Zinc plating is a method of coating a metal surface with a layer of zinc to create a protective layer against oxidation, reduce rust, and increase product lifespan.

Thanks to this coating, steel, iron, or alloy materials can better withstand moisture, salt, chemicals, and the impacts of the industrial environment. In addition to increasing durability, galvanizing also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the product with a brighter, more uniform, and professional-looking surface.

Zinc plating chemicals play a crucial role in improving the quality of the plating layer, enhancing corrosion resistance and extending the product’s lifespan.

Currently, galvanizing technology is widely applied in:

• Steel and galvanized sheet industry
• Mechanical components
• Industrial equipment
• Building structure
• Cars and motorcycles
• Electrical and household appliances

Zinc plating chemicals play a crucial role in improving the quality of the plating layer.

Classification of common zinc plating chemicals currently in use.

Depending on the technology and technical requirements, galvanizing chemicals are currently divided into several different groups. Each type possesses its own advantages in terms of durability, corrosion resistance, and environmental friendliness.

Acid-based zinc plating chemicals

This type of chemical is quite commonly used due to its ability to create a plating layer with good adhesion and even distribution on metal surfaces.

The advantages of the acid system include:

• Easy to install
• Reasonable cost
• Highly effective with intricate details.
• Minimize chemical evaporation during operation.

Thanks to its ability to create a uniformly thick zinc layer, acid-based systems are often used in large-scale industrial electroplating lines.

Cyanide-free alkaline zinc plating chemicals

Modern manufacturing trends increasingly prioritize safe and environmentally friendly solutions. Therefore, cyanide-free alkaline zinc plating chemicals are being widely used in many countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

This line of chemicals has many advantages:

• Reduced hazard for operators. DK Chemical Company specializes in supplying high-quality zinc plating chemicals.
• Reduce environmental pollution
• Increase the shine of the plating.
• Passivation is easy to implement.

This is considered a suitable solution for businesses aiming for green manufacturing standards.

Cr3+ Passivation Zinc Coating Chemicals – A New Technological Trend 

In recent years, Cr³⁺ passivation technology has become a prominent trend in the metal surface treatment industry.

Unlike traditional Cr6+-containing technologies, Cr³⁺ chemicals are more environmentally friendly while still ensuring:

• High corrosion resistance
• Superior coating durability
• Good aesthetics
• Meets stringent international standards such as RoHS and REACH.

In particular, this technology is suitable for mechanical products, machinery, or materials that are frequently subjected to friction and high temperatures.

Common problems with zinc plating

Despite increasingly advanced technology, many businesses still encounter numerous errors during the electroplating process if the chemicals are not of sufficient quality or the processing procedures are not optimized.

The plating is darkening, becoming brittle, or peeling.

This is a fairly common problem in acid plating systems when the solution is unbalanced or the amount of brightener is inappropriate. The plating layer then becomes brittle, loses adhesion, and degrades quickly.

The plated surface is pitted, rough, or has a bumpy appearance.

The cause often stems from: Environmentally friendly zinc plating chemicals.

• The solution is contaminated.
• Unstable pH levels
• Poor filter
• The plating current is too high.

These defects not only affect the aesthetics but also reduce the corrosion resistance of the coating.

The plating is burnt or has spots.

When the metal concentration is low, the temperature is unsuitable, or the current exceeds the permissible limit, the plating layer may exhibit surface burning or the formation of uneven discoloration.

Poor adhesion and blistering of the plating layer.

This indicates that the metal surface was not completely cleaned before plating or that it was contaminated with organic impurities.

According to technical experts, the surface pre-treatment process can determine more than 70% of the quality of the final plating layer.

DK Chemicals – Metal surface treatment solutions following the green technology trend.

In the context of an industry that increasingly demands high-quality coatings and environmental standards, DK Chemicals is becoming the preferred partner for many mechanical, steel, and galvanized sheet businesses in Vietnam.

The company specializes in providing chemical solutions for metal surface treatment and passivation, such as:

• Zinc plating chemicals
• Chemical passivation
• Pretreatment chemicals
• Degreasing and rust removal solution
• Chrome-free solution
• Cr³⁺ passivation technology

In particular, DK Chemicals now offers high-tech product lines from the PrimeCoat® brand, notable for their superior corrosion resistance for galvanized steel, cold-rolled steel, and ZAM steel.

PrimeCoat® Z838-4P – Next-generation Cr³⁺ passivation technology

One of the outstanding solutions currently available is the PrimeCoat® Z838-4P series , which utilizes advanced SILANE technology to create an optimal protective coating for metal surfaces.

These products have many advantages:

• Does not contain Cr6+
• Environmentally friendly
• Complies with RoHS and REACH standards.
• Effective anti-fingerprint properties
• Enhances corrosion resistance in harsh environments. Affordable zinc plating chemicals.

This is considered a suitable solution for businesses aiming for export standards and sustainable production. A reputable supplier of galvanizing chemicals.

The inevitable trend in the metal surface treatment industry.

With the development of the steel, mechanical engineering, and industrial manufacturing industries, metal surface treatment technology is shifting strongly towards high-performance, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions.

In the increasingly fierce competition of modern manufacturing, plating quality is no longer just a technical factor but has become a crucial competitive advantage for businesses.

In this trend, comprehensive solution providers like DK Chemicals are playing a crucial role in helping businesses improve product quality, optimize processes, and meet increasingly stringent international standards.

Learn More

• Where to find a reputable and high-quality supplier of galvanizing chemicals?
• What is Metal Passivation?
• What is Flux (Fluidizing Agent) in Hot-Dip Galvanizing?
• Reliable and High-Quality Supplier of Metal Surface Treatment Chemicals