How Mechanical Plating Eliminates Hydrogen Embrittlement Risk

Hydrogen embrittlement is a critical concern in metal finishing, particularly for high-strength steel components used in industries like automotive, aerospace, and agriculture. This phenomenon occurs when hydrogen atoms penetrate a metal’s microstructure during processes like electroplating, causing brittleness and increasing the risk of sudden, unpredictable fractures. Fortunately, mechanical plating, as offered by experts like Dynaburr Chicago, Inc., provides a reliable solution to eliminate this risk, ensuring durable and safe components.

Unlike electroplating, which uses an aqueous electrolyte bath that generates hydrogen as a byproduct, mechanical plating is a dry, mechanical process. It involves tumbling parts with metal powders (such as zinc, tin, or zinc-aluminum), glass beads, water, and proprietary chemicals in a controlled environment. This process deposits a uniform metal coating without introducing hydrogen into the substrate. By avoiding electrochemical reactions, mechanical plating eliminates the primary source of hydrogen absorption, making it an inherently hydrogen-embrittlement-free process. Learn more about Mechanical Plating

Dynaburr’s mechanical plating process, certified to ISO 9001:2015 standards, delivers coatings up to 5 mils thick on materials like steel, stainless steel, brass, and powdered metal. This not only ensures excellent corrosion resistance but also removes the need for post-plating baking, a common step in electroplating to mitigate hydrogen embrittlement. Baking can be inconsistent and may not fully eliminate hydrogen, whereas mechanical plating sidesteps this issue entirely, offering peace of mind for safety-critical parts like hood latch springs, seat belt anchors, and structural fasteners.

Additionally, Dynaburr’s process is environmentally friendly, producing uniform coatings that serve as an excellent base for further treatments like chromate dips or trivalent coatings, enhancing durability without compromising structural integrity. By choosing mechanical plating, manufacturers can meet stringent industry standards (e.g., Ford WSS M21p17-B4, GM-3044) while ensuring their components remain free from hydrogen embrittlement risks.

For industries where reliability and safety are non-negotiable, Dynaburr’s mechanical plating is a proven, effective solution to eliminate hydrogen embrittlement, delivering robust, high-quality finishes every time.

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*For more information on Dynaburr’s mechanical plating services, visit www.dynaburr.com