Alkaline Zinc Plating Revisited

by Doug Trageser, C.E.F
Southeast US Regional Manager

Alkaline non-cyanide zinc (ANCZ) plating has been prevalent in the plating industry for about 50 years. It has become a preferred process for finishers who require a fairly bright zinc-plated finish on parts that have challenging geometrical shapes. ANCZ is typically the chosen zinc process for complicated geometrical shapes due to its ability to plate zinc at a preferred low ratio of zinc thickness from the high current density areas to the low current density areas. Thickness ratios can range anywhere from 1:1 to 2:1 from the high current density area to the low current density area.

Bath Components

ANCZ baths normally contain the following components which are further detailed in this article:

  • Sodium Hydroxide
  • Zinc Oxide
  • Sodium Carbonate
  • Brightener
  • Polymer
  • Purifier
  • Water Conditioner
  • LCD Booster
  • Zinc Anodes – Hull Cell

Alkaline non-cyanide zinc plating processes are very popular today and offer many benefits to the plater that will afford them multiple opportunities to expand their business and maximize revenues. Read More