Barrel plating is an electroplating process designed to coat small metal or plastic parts efficiently. Unlike rack plating, where individual components are mounted separately, barrel plating coats multiple parts in a rotating barrel. This makes the plating process highly efficient for mass production while still making sure the coating is consistent.
How barrel plating works
In barrel plating, parts are loaded into a perforated container or barrel, which is then submerged in a plating bath. The barrel rotates slowly so that all the surfaces of the components are exposed to the electrolytic solution. As the barrel rotates, the parts tumble against each other and the inner walls, ensuring the plating solution reaches all surfaces evenly for a uniform metal coating. Electrical current passes through the solution, causing metal ions to deposit uniformly on the parts. This way of plating is particularly effective for small, durable components such as screws, fasteners, and washers.
Advantages of barrel plating
Barrel plating is valued for its speed and cost-effectiveness. As many parts are plated simultaneously, the production time is reduced, and labour costs are lower compared to individually racked components. The movement of the parts inside the barrel gives an even coating, reducing the risk of uneven surfaces or missed spots.
Advanced plating techniques, such as zinc nickel plating, can further improve corrosion resistance and strength. These are available from specialists such as https://www.swmf.co.uk/surface-coatings/zinc-nickel-alloy-plating.
Barrel plating applications across different industries
Barrel plating is widely used in automotive, electronics, and hardware manufacturing, giving small components the strength, corrosion resistance, and metallic finish required for high-performance use.
