Electroplating

Electroplating is a finishing process that deposits a thin, uniform metal coating onto a conductive base material using an electric current in a chemical bath. For fasteners, electroplating is most commonly used to apply coatings like zinc, zinc-nickel, nickel, or chrome to improve corrosion resistance, change appearance, or add specific surface properties. The plated layer acts primarily as a protective barrier, and in the case of zinc-based coatings it can also provide sacrificial protection, helping shield the underlying steel if the surface gets scratched.

Because electroplated coatings add material to the surface, they can affect thread fit, especially on tighter tolerance threads, so coating thickness and thread class are important considerations. Electroplating high-strength steel fasteners can also introduce a risk of hydrogen embrittlement (hydrogen absorbed during cleaning and plating can lead to delayed cracking), which is why many specifications require process controls and post-plating baking for certain grades. When properly specified and applied, electroplating is a cost-effective way to produce consistent finishes and predictable performance for a wide range of screws, bolts, nuts, and washers.