How a Galvanize Is Made

Primary process: Electroplating. The full route, materials, tolerances and design tips for a galvanize, with an indicative cost.

ElectroplatingPrimary process
SurfaceFamily
5Route steps

A galvanize is primarily made by Electroplating. Electroplating deposits a thin metal layer (zinc, nickel, chrome and others) on a part electrochemically for corrosion resistance, wear or appearance. Below is the full route to make a galvanize, the materials it suits, the tolerances to expect and the main design points. The route is free, from the finder.

Step by step

How a galvanize is made

The usual route, raw material to finished part. The amber step is where the galvanize gets its basic shape.

  1. Make the part

    Form and finish-machine the galvanize to size first.
    Tooling None   Tolerance ±0.125mm, to ±0.025mm   Lead 1 to 10 days
  2. Clean and mask

    Clean the surface and mask the areas that must stay bare.
  3. Electroplating

    Apply the electroplating to the galvanize.
    Tooling Low   Tolerance adds microns   Lead days
  4. Post-finish

    Seal, cure or re-grind any surface that changed dimension.
  5. Inspection

    Check coating thickness, hardness or adhesion.

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Materials

Materials for a galvanize

GradeWhy it suits this
Zinc / zinc-nickelCheap corrosion
Nickel / chromeWear, looks
Gold / silverConductivity
Design

Design tips

General pointers. The full design-for-manufacturing list for a galvanize is in the dossier.

  • Plating build-up on threads/fits. Allow for thickness or mask.
  • Deep recesses (poor coverage). Open geometry.
Cost

What a galvanize should cost

Electroplating for corrosion, wear, conductivity or looks; priced by area and plating metal/thickness.

PER-PART COST vs VOLUME
one-offat volumeVolume per order, low to highCost per part
Per-part cost drops as volume spreads tooling and setup over more parts. The exact figures for a galvanize at your volume, in your currency, are in the dossier.
MODEL EST.
$3.8 to 11 per part at 1 off
A rough ballpark only. The dossier gives should-cost at your exact volume and currency, with the full breakdown.
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Everything you need to quote and source it

The free route above is yours. To actually put a number on a galvanize and buy it well:

  • Should-cost at your exact volume in 12 currencies, with the material, processing, tooling and overhead breakdown
  • Who to source from, typical MOQ and lead time, and the exact RFQ checklist to send
  • A quote checker that tells you if a supplier quote is fair, and the red flags to watch
  • The full DFM list and a ready-to-send RFQ draft

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See also: How Electroplating works and the full route for a galvanize in the finder.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How is a galvanize made?
A galvanize is primarily made by electroplating. The route is: Make the part; Clean and mask; Electroplating; Post-finish; Inspection.
What does a galvanize cost?
It depends on size, tolerance and volume. As a rough ballpark it starts around $3.8 to 11 per part at 1 off and falls with quantity. The dossier gives should-cost at your exact volume and currency. A model estimate, not a quote.
What material is a galvanize made from?
Common choices are Zinc / zinc-nickel; Nickel / chrome; Gold / silver.
What is the main process for a galvanize?
Electroplating. Corrosion protection, wear surfaces and decorative finishes on metal parts.
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