When your components require exceptional corrosion protection, wear resistance, and electrical conductivity, Zinc Nickel Plating stands out as a superior solution. At The Lindgren Group, we provide engineered zinc nickel plating services designed to meet the demands of the world’s toughest environments—including aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, and heavy industrial sectors.
Our advanced plating lines, experienced team, and process controls ensure consistent, durable, and spec-compliant finishes that extend the life of your components while maintaining performance integrity.
What is Zinc Nickel Plating?
Zinc nickel plating is an alloy electroplating process that combines zinc and nickel, typically with 12–15% nickel content, offering dramatically improved performance over traditional zinc coatings.
This alloy finish provides:
- Up to 1,000+ hours of salt spray corrosion resistance
- Superior adhesion and uniform coverage
- Excellent wear resistance
- Strong resistance to heat and oxidation
- Compatibility with post-treatments such as passivates and topcoats
It’s particularly suited for components exposed to saltwater, chemicals, high temperatures, or outdoor environments—making it ideal for aerospace fasteners, defense systems, and automotive underbody parts.
Industries That Rely on Zinc Nickel Plating
The Lindgren Group partners with OEMs and manufacturers across multiple industries where coating performance is mission-critical.
Automotive
- Brake components
- Fuel system parts
- Chassis and suspension fasteners
- Transmission hardware
- Electric vehicle (EV) connectors
Aerospace
- Landing gear hardware
- Avionics brackets
- Structural fasteners
- Fuel fittings
- Corrosion-prone external components
Defense
- Weapons system components
- Ground vehicle assemblies
- Connector plating
- Missile and drone assemblies
Industrial & Heavy Equipment
- Hydraulic system parts
- Agricultural equipment
- Construction and mining hardware
- Marine components
Zinc Nickel vs. Traditional Zinc Plating
| Corrosion Resistance | 200–300 hrs salt spray | 1,000+ hrs salt spray |
| Wear Resistance | Moderate | High |
| Temperature Resistance | Low–moderate | High (up to 400°F+) |
| Base Metal Protection | Good | Excellent |
| Lifespan in Harsh Environments | Short to medium | Long-term protection |
Zinc nickel provides enhanced performance without the cost of exotic coatings or precious metals. It’s often specified as a RoHS-compliant and Cadmium-free alternative in aerospace and defense applications.
Our Zinc Nickel Plating Capabilities
The Lindgren Group offers both alkaline and acid zinc nickel plating processes with full control over coating composition and deposition characteristics.
Specifications We Support:
- 12–15% Nickel Alloy (industry standard)
- ASTM B841 – Electrodeposited Coatings of Zinc-Nickel Alloy
- AMS 2417 / AMS 2411 – Aerospace specifications
- ISO 19598 – Automotive zinc-nickel specifications
- RoHS and REACH Compliant
Plating Options:
- Rack and Barrel Plating – Suitable for a wide range of part sizes
- Post-Plating Treatments
- Clear, black, and trivalent chromate passivations
- Topcoats for enhanced corrosion and friction control
- Selective Plating and Masking Services
- Underplating for Enhanced Adhesion (e.g., nickel or copper)
We offer precision coating thicknesses from 0.0002″ to 0.0010″ and meet tight tolerance requirements for mission-critical components.
Applications That Demand Zinc Nickel Plating
Zinc nickel is frequently specified when components must endure:
- Harsh outdoor exposure
- High humidity or marine environments
- Aggressive chemicals or cleaning agents
- Friction and mechanical wear
- Electrical conductivity and grounding functions
Common plated parts include:
- Electrical connectors and terminals
- Fasteners and bolts
- Heat shields
- Springs, clips, and washers
- Fuel line fittings and brackets
Our Quality Commitment
We understand the critical nature of every component we finish. The Lindgren Group employs rigorous quality protocols to ensure consistent results and compliance with industry requirements.
Quality Control Measures Include:
- X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) thickness testing
- Nickel content analysis
- Adhesion and corrosion testing
- Visual and dimensional inspections
- Certificate of Compliance (C of C)
- Batch traceability and documentation
Our ISO 9001-certified quality management system ensures each order is processed with full control and accountability.
Why Work with The Lindgren Group?
With over 30 years of experience in precision metal finishing, The Lindgren Group is trusted by manufacturers nationwide for:
- Engineering collaboration from prototype to production
- In-house masking, tooling, and fixturing capabilities
- High-volume and low-volume batch support
- Fast turnaround and scheduled production runs
- Multi-process finishing solutions including Gold Plating, Tin Plating, Hardcoat Anodizing, and Connector Plating
We’re more than a plating supplier—we’re a surface finishing partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the typical lead time for zinc nickel plating?
Lead times depend on part complexity, masking needs, and order size. Standard turnaround is typically 5–7 business days.
Lead times depend on part complexity, masking needs, and order size. Standard turnaround is typically 5–7 business days.
Is zinc nickel plating RoHS compliant?
Yes. Our processes use trivalent chromates and are compliant with RoHS and REACH directives.
Yes. Our processes use trivalent chromates and are compliant with RoHS and REACH directives.
What’s the maximum part size you can plate?
We support small components to larger parts depending on geometry. Contact us with your specs.
We support small components to larger parts depending on geometry. Contact us with your specs.
Can zinc nickel be used in electrical applications?
Absolutely. Zinc nickel is conductive and often used in grounding and connector systems.
Absolutely. Zinc nickel is conductive and often used in grounding and connector systems.
Request a Quote for Zinc Nickel Plating Services
Have parts that need superior corrosion resistance and durability? The Lindgren Group can help.

