Plating & Anodizing Chiller | Smart Family of Cooling Products

Precise Temperature Control for Superior Plating & Anodizing Quality

The metal finishing industry has been growing in leaps and bounds over the last decade. Advancements in manufacturing have led to additional markets for the plating industry. Hard Chrome and Cadmium plating have become more common, along with the steady business from zinc (galvanizing) and nickel plating. Our own refrigeration and HVAC units use several components that are hot-dipped galvanized (zinc-plated). That includes our plating chiller and anodizing chiller units.

If you ever wondered exactly how the plating process works, check out this video from “How It’s Made.”

We mentioned Cadmium plating in our opening paragraph. Cadmium plating is used primarily in automotive and aerospace manufacturing. Here is a bit comical but informative video on not only cadmium plating but also how plastic can be plated as well.

Temperature control is an important part of the plating process. Keeping the rectifier cool and the tank(s) at a steady temperature is imperative to high-quality parts. Many plating companies struggle with calculating their cooling load. The equation is fairly simple actually:

Heat Load (BTUs) = Volts x Amps (from rectifier) x 3.412
Cooling Load (Tons) = BTUs / 12,000

Some system designers reduce this total tonnage by a power factor, noting system losses, etc. Smart Family chooses a more conservative approach. We use the full value understanding that there are factors to consider, including the heat carried into the tank by the parts, outdoor ambient conditions, heat transferred through the tank walls, as well as surface and agitation air. With this information in mind, what you need is a rugged and reliable chiller to remove the heat from these processes. There is no better means to cool metal plating systems than via a tailored solution with a smart design and remarkable features. Read our guide on how industrial chillers work to learn more about the process!

Smart Family of Cooling Products is the team you should call to order a state-of-the-art anodizing chiller for a multitude of applications. We have unsurpassed experience in designing customized cooling equipment so you can count on us to solve your cooling problems. We will build a high quality chiller system based on your design requirements for thermal load, unit size constraints, special voltages, and special operating conditions (low temperature, high ambient, etc). Still not sure which type to choose? Contact our team or read our guide for help in determining which chiller is right for you!

We are proud to be the home of many of the top refrigeration technicians in the industry. Each of our service experts shares our passion to increase the performance and prolong the lifespan of both the chiller and your plating process equipment. Our customized plating chillers and anodizing chillers come at reasonable prices to give you access to top-notch cooling systems while keeping your costs down. Our rental cooling equipment includes air handlers, air cooled chillers and much more to fit whatever application you’re using them for! Contact us to learn more about our low temp chillers today!

The Role of Cooling Equipment in Plating and Anodizing Processes

Industrial cooling equipment is vital to the plating and anodizing processes in the metal plating industry. These processes tend to generate heat, so plating and anodizing chillers help maintain stable temperatures in the plating bath. They are essential in preventing overheating and ensuring even coating. Smart Family of Cooling Products offers solutions that are suitable for different metal plating applications.

Zinc Plating

For more than 100 years, zinc has been a leading choice for metal finishes. It’s often a go-to alternative to more expensive gold, silver, and platinum. In fact, its low cost makes it a popular choice when you want cost-effective corrosion protection.

Types of zinc plating include:

• Alkaline cyanide
• Alkaline non-cyanide
• Chloride zinc
• Zinc alloy
• Zinc cobalt
• Zinc nickel

Due to its affordability, zinc plating is commonly used to create everyday materials, such as:

• Screws
• Fasteners
• Light switch plates
• Nuts
• Bolts
• Brake pipes
• Brake calipers
• And more

Plating and anodizing chillers work effectively for zinc plating, especially as this metal is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Unstable temperatures can lead to rough surfaces and product defects. Maintaining the correct plating bath temperature with cooling equipment is essential to prevent metal crystallization and ensure smooth surfaces.

Chrome Plating

While chrome plating lacks the corrosion resistance of zinc, leaving it open to spalling and pitting, it’s a favorite metal for plating. The advantage of chrome, however, has been that it delivers beneficial coatings from both a functional and aesthetic point of view.

Types of chrome electroplating include:

• Hexavalent chromium
• Trivalent chromium

Applications of chrome plating include:

• Brake discs
• Piston rings
• Aircraft components
• Gun bores
• Thread guides
• And more

Similar to zinc plating, chrome plating has specific temperature requirements. Temperatures that are too hot or too cold will affect the overall quality, especially in the case of trivalent chromium plating. Cooling equipment, such as water chillers and air-cooled units, is helpful in maintaining optimal temperature levels. They prevent overheating of equipment to achieve the right hardness, thickness, and desired outcome of the chrome plating.

Nickel Plating

Nickel’s corrosion resistance, friction reduction, environmental friendliness, and electroless technology are expected to undergo a series of changes in the future. Its demand, for instance, is expected to grow by four percent a year, with China accounting for more than 40 percent of its consumption.

Types of nickel plating baths include:

• Watts
• Nickel sulfamate
• All-chloride
• Sulfate-chloride
• All-sulfate
• Hard nickel
• Black nickel

Thanks to its wear and corrosion resistance, nickel plating is trusted for several applications, including:

• Firearms
• Material handling equipment
• Food processing machinery
• Generators
• Electronics
• And more

Like zinc and chrome plating, the nickel plating process also requires reliable cooling systems to ensure top-notch quality of the coating. And while electroless nickel plating may be rising in use, it does carry its own set of setbacks, such as excessive costs for water treatment and low material quality, emphasizing that electroplating is still the way to go for value.

Cooling equipment offers precise temperature control in nickel plating processes, which is essential in achieving quality results and preventing the overconsumption of brighteners. They keep the plating solution at optimal temperatures, helping ensure consistent nickel deposits in your projects.

Why Trust Us for Industrial Cooling Equipment?

Smart Family of Cooling Products is your trusted team for state-of-the-art plating and anodizing cooling equipment for a wide range of applications. Here’s why:

• Custom solutions: Our experience in designing cooling equipment allows us to provide solutions tailored to your specific needs. We can build a high-quality chiller system based on your design requirements for thermal load, special voltages, unit size constraints, and other special operating conditions.
• Team of experts: We are home to many of the industry’s top refrigeration engineers. Every member of our team is capable of helping increase your equipment’s performance, prolong its lifespan and help you determine which chiller is right for you.

Customize Your Chillers With Smart Family of Cooling Products

Smart Family of Cooling Products is the industry’s go-to provider of premium-quality cooling equipment for various applications. Achieve excellence with our solutions for the metal plating industry. Explore industrial plating and anodizing cooling products today. Contact our experts to enjoy the benefits of a customized chiller.