Zinc alloys provide an excellent base or substrate for a clean, attractive, and durable die casting surface finish. These finishes can enhance corrosion resistance, aesthetic appeal, or both.
At Deco Products, we offer three common surface finishing solutions for zinc die cast parts.
Zinc naturally forms a thin oxide layer when exposed to air. This oxide thin layer serves as a built-in protective coating, providing resistance to corrosion without any additional finishing. Because of this characteristic, many zinc parts are utilizes in their raw state. Especially in controlled or indoor environments where additional protection is not necessary.
This raw finish typically takes on a dull gray appearance over time, which is acceptable for many functional applications. Choosing a raw finish can reduce costs and production time while still delivering dependable protection.
While powder coating and zinc plating parts are excellent options for enhanced aesthetics or more aggressive environments. However, zinc’s inherent corrosion protection often makes raw metal finishing a viable option.
Learn more in our blog: How Zinc is a Good Corrosion Resistant Metal
At Deco Products, we offer a variety of types of powder coatings for different needs. Whether you require high-durability for industrial use or more aesthetic finish.
Powder coating colors offer nearly unlimited possibilities. You can customize your die casting finish to your exact specifications, with options ranging from high gloss to matte.
You can even choose zinc specialty surface finishing techniques like glitter, wrinkles, or satin. During the zinc coating process, each part is wash and dry before applying an electrostatic powder coat. Deco Products can use epoxy, polyester, urethane, or custom hybrid mixes for coatings, depending on your project.
Our in-line dryer system cures parts which we thoroughly inspect for high quality and uniformity. With two lines and rapid changeover capabilities, we produce a variety of finishes and colors in any given week.
Deco Products offers a diverse selection of colors to choose from, up to 90 different colors. The sales team can help you choose a color by sending a sample paint chip. View our preferred powder coat colors gallery.
Looking for a way to protect your metal products from corrosion while giving them an attractive finish? Zinc powder coating offers numerous benefits that exceed those of traditional methods:
Durability with more resistance to chipping, scratching and fading, so colors stay more vibrant longer. The "baked on" powder forms a thick and more resilient layer that can withstand scratches, abrasions, and impacts. Ensuring long-lasting performance even in demanding conditions.
Powder coating zinc provides a robust ability to resist corrosion, safeguarding your metal products. Powder coating surface protect from the damaging effects of moisture, chemicals, and environmental elements. This is especial important in harsh environments where corrosion is a common concern.
Substantial savings in time since there is no “flash off” period required. The powder coated materials pass directly into the oven.
More environmentally friendly since there is an absence of volatile organic compounds, (VOC’s) in the process. Additionally, this reduces health hazards to our employees.
A “cleaner” process that allows for rapid changeover.
A better-quality finish, since powder melts and flows together evenly. Zinc powder coat provides a uniform and attractive finish that enhances the appearance of the coated product.
The powder coat process typically involves the following steps:
The metal surface is cleaned and pre-treated to ensure proper adhesion of the powder coating. This typically involves sandblasting, degreasing, and phosphating.
Using an electrostatic spray gun applying the dry powder to the metal surface. The powder attracts to the metal surface because of the electric charge and forms an even layer.
The process involves heating the coated part in an oven to a temperature where the zinc powder melts. Then forms a continuous, protective layer. The curing process typically takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the type of powder and thickness of the coating.
After curing, inspecting the surface for defects and imperfections, such as bubbles, wrinkles, or sagging.
The result of the powder coating process is a durable, corrosion-resistant, and attractive finish. That provides long-lasting protection to the metal surface. Commonly used in a variety of applications, including window sash locks, handles, and household appliances.
Plating zinc die cast products typically serves one of two purposes. The first is for aesthetics, providing an attractive or decorative finish. While some decorative finishes are functional their primary purpose is to appeal visually to customers.
The second reason is functional, especially for with exposure to a harsh environment or need more durability. A functional finish improves the part’s performance, including hardness, tarnish resistance, UV protection, and corrosion resistance.
The decision between a functional or decorative finish depends on the part’s use and location. Products that face the consumer must be visually appealing to customers, but they also must maintain their functional performance. A faucet must look good but also needs to resist rust and corrosion which is a means for the decorative finish to add value.
This process involves the electrodeposition of a thin coating of zinc metal onto the surface of another metal object, known as a substrate. This layer of zinc creates a physical barrier that protect against rust from reaching the underlying metal surface.
Deco Products offer different types of plating solutions including either acid-based or alkaline zinc based. We will help you select the right mix depending upon your needs. The process involves prepping and cleaning the product surface, preparing the proper solution and process (rack or barrel plating). Then, we introduce an electric current to coat the metal.
Post treatment includes rinsing the parts in water, sometimes more than once and then thoroughly drying the parts. In some cases, we may add passivates and sealers for extra protection. Once finished, we package and ship the products right to your door.
Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a dry powder. Zinc die cast alloys provide and excellent base for a clean and durable coating.
Since 1972 Deco Products has powder coated millions of zinc castings in our state-of-the-art dual line system.
Please see our gallery of preferred powder coating color that are offered by Deco Products.
Deco Products is a full-service zinc die-caster that offers precision zinc die-castings to customers globally. We utilize custom-designed hot-chambered die-casting machines to offer you competitive and quality products.
