Key Technical Elements

Powder Mix

The multi-metal powder mix is one of the foundations of producing a durable, highly protective base layer than can, on its own, withstand highly corrosive outdoor environments.

Our proprietary zinc tin multiple metal powder mix is a unique blend of zinc, tin, and other metal powders that are combined to create a durable coating over steel fasteners. This coating material provides a number of benefits over traditional galvanizing methods, including improved corrosion resistance, enhanced mechanical properties, and a longer service life.

Optimized Plating Chemistry Produces Dense Layers

Another key element of the plating protocol is proprietary bath chemistry to promote complete and stable deposition of the metal powders onto the steel substrate. The goal is to maximize the uptake of the metal powders, and promote a relatively thin, dense base layer with very low porosity.

Full Base layer

The complete metallic base layer is comprised of the multi-metal layer together with additional sealers, and optionally, primers to accommodate organic topcoats.

The passivation and sealing process is an important step in the mechanical galvanization of steel fasteners. This process helps to protect the galvanized coating from corrosion and other environmental factors, and can improve the performance and service life of the fastener.

Bead Mix

The plating barrel is loaded with an mixture of different bead sizes that is optimized for the particular geaometry and features of the working parts.

The bead mixture used in the mechanical galvanization process can have a significant impact on the quality of the galvanized surface coating. The beads are typically made from a high-strength, heat-resistant glass material, and are used to provide a consistent and uniform coating on the fastener surface.

Bead Management

One drawback of traditional mechanical plating, especially when plating small or recessed parts, is bead breakage. Broken beads can become lodged in recesses and other concave features, rendering parts unusable. At ZNK+, glass beads are separated and screened from the metal fasteners during the mechanical plating process using a combination of mechanical and magnetic methods, utilizing a novel design to recover re-use beads intact, preventing recess fills.