Plating Barrels
Plating barrels are critical components in high-volume metal finishing operations, providing an efficient means of processing large batches of small parts. Whether used for electroplating, phosphating, or black oxiding, these barrels are engineered to maximize productivity and ensure uniform coating across all parts. With a wide variety of styles, materials, and customizable options, plating barrels can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of your process, enhancing both quality and efficiency.
When selecting a plating barrel, consider the following factors to ensure the best match for your application:
- Chemical Parameters: The type of chemistry used, operating temperature, and voltage/amperage requirements are crucial to selecting the right barrel material and design.
- Perforation Size: The size of the perforations should be based on the dimensions of the parts being processed to prevent loss of small components and ensure effective solution circulation.
- Barrel Style: Choose between hexagonal or round styles depending on the nature of the parts and the desired agitation level.
- Barrel Size: The diameter and length of the barrel (inside dimensions) are key to fitting your existing system and meeting production needs.
- Door Style and Closure: Options include clamps, knob closures, center locks, and slide-locks, providing secure containment of parts during the plating process.
- Motorized vs. Tank Driven: Depending on your operational setup, select either motorized barrels for automated processes or tank-driven barrels for simpler, manual operations.
- Additional Options: Consider enhancements such as tumbling bars, partitions, custom contacts, and dimpled interiors to improve processing efficiency and part quality.
Types of Plating Barrels
We offer a range of plating barrels designed to meet the demands of various metal finishing processes. Whether you’re working with small, delicate parts or larger, robust components, our barrels can be customized to ensure optimal performance.
High-Production Barrels
For large-scale operations, our high-production barrels are available in standard diameters ranging from 12 to 24 inches and lengths from 24 to 60 inches. These barrels are designed to handle substantial volumes while maintaining consistent quality across all parts.
- Standard Barrel Diameters (in inches): 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24
- Standard Barrel Lengths (in inches): 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 60
Custom Plating Barrels
In addition to standard sizes, we offer custom barrels to meet specific production requirements. Customization options include barrel size, perforation pattern, and material construction, ensuring compatibility with your existing equipment and optimal results for your unique processes.
- Custom Options: Tailored dimensions, specialized materials, and unique perforation designs to fit your specific application.
Portable Plating Barrels
For smaller operations or specialized tasks, portable plating barrels offer flexibility and ease of use. These barrels are ideal for lower-volume processes or for handling specific parts that require different treatment from the main production line.
- Features: Lightweight construction, easy handling, and compatibility with a variety of plating setups.
Best Practices for Ordering Plating Barrels
When ordering new plating barrels, it’s crucial to ensure compatibility with your existing setup. For the best results, we recommend the following:
Superstructure Matching:
Sending an existing superstructure to the barrel manufacturer can ensure the new barrels fit perfectly, minimizing installation issues.
Measurement Accuracy:
Accurate measurements of barrel dimensions are critical to prevent mismatches. Consider having a technical sales representative assist with the measurements to confirm the exact dimensions before placing an order.
Applications of Plating Barrels
Plating barrels are versatile tools used across various metal finishing processes. Below are some common applications where plating barrels play a crucial role:
Electroplating:
Essential for applying metal coatings to a wide range of parts, including those used in automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries.
Phosphating:
Used to create a corrosion-resistant surface layer on metals, plating barrels ensure even coating and efficient processing of parts.
Black Oxiding:
Ideal for producing a durable black oxide finish on parts, these barrels provide uniform treatment across all components.
Anodizing:
Effective in creating a protective and decorative oxide layer on aluminum parts, ensuring consistent results with each batch.
Parts Cleaning:
Beyond plating, these barrels are also used in cleaning processes to remove contaminants and prepare parts for further finishing steps.