Barrel Plating vs Rack Plating: Which is Right for Your Project?

Barrel Plating

Barrel plating is ideal for small, high-volume parts. Components are placed in a rotating barrel, which allows the plating solution to evenly coat each part.

Pros:

• Cost-effective for bulk production
• Uniform coverage for high volumes
• Efficient and fast for small components

Cons:

• Not suitable for large or delicate parts
• Limited control over individual component positioning

Rack Plating

Rack plating involves fixing components individually onto racks, which are then immersed in the plating solution. This method is often used for larger, complex, or delicate components.

Pros:

• Precise control over coating thickness and coverage
• Ideal for complex or delicate shapes
• Excellent quality for lower-volume projects

Cons:

• Slower and more labour-intensive
• Higher cost per part for large batches

Which Method Should You Choose?

The choice depends on your part size, complexity, and production volume:

• Use barrel plating for small, simple, high-volume parts
• Use rack plating for large, delicate, or complex parts requiring precise coating

At Capabilities Beyond Engineering Ltd, our expert team of ENP professionals can advise on the best plating method for your project to ensure high-quality results every time.

Contact us today to discuss your project and find the ideal plating solution.