Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Plating thickness -optimum thickness for automotive application

2003

We are using plating thickness of 17 microns in some of the clamps made of CRCA steel used in Automotive instruments. Please clarify if this thickness is really required.

I believe that a maximum thickness of 10 microns will with stand severe corrosion and hence it is not essential to have plating thickness of 17 microns. It will save lot of money in plating process costs.

Kindly inform the normal coating thickness required for automotive applications.

Prasad Sharma S.V.
automotive instruments - Tamilnadu, India

---

Dear Mr. Prasad,

The final end use of the parts, should determine the thickness spec. You are right about 17 microns being too high for interior cabin parts which will never be exposed to actual corrosion.

Pls also remember that zinc is a sacrificial coat, so the better thickness means more life, 5 microns of zinc will last a lot less than 17 microns.

Regards,

Khozem Vahaanwala
Saify Ind

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

2003