Quality Control for Zinc and Zinc-Nickel Plating
Quality Control
Consistent plating starts with controlled processes. We maintain that control through routine monitoring, documented procedures, and verification throughout production.
We also work with customers to set realistic expectations for what electroplating can achieve on their parts. This is how we ensure our finishes meet specification requirements and performance expectations.
ISO 9001:2015 Certified Quality Management System
Gatto operates under an ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system and have maintained our certification since 2003.
For our customers, this means:
- Work is performed according to documented and repeatable procedures
- Production activities are traceable and recorded
- Internal systems are audited regularly to verify compliance
- Processes are continuously reviewed and improved over time
To maintain certification, these standards are continuously documented and monitored ensuring our plating is performed within a controlled and traceable system that supports consistent finishes and provides quality services.
Quality Control Throughout our Plating Process
Our quality is monitored throughout multiple stages of production, from incoming order review through final inspection. These systems help ensure our finishes are applied correctly and remain consistent across orders.
Key Process Controls Include:
Incoming Order & Part Verification
We review customer plating requirements and incoming parts before processing begins.
Production Process Control
Documented work instructions, order traceability, and calibrated equipment help ensure parts are processed using the correct procedures.
Monitoring of Plating Bath Chemistry
Routine laboratory analysis confirms plating solutions remain within specified operating ranges.
Coating Thickness Verification
Thickness measurements performed during production and after plating confirm finishes meet specification requirements.
Corrosion Performance Verification
Salt spray testing performed regularly to confirm our finishes continue meeting corrosion performance requirements.
Final Inspection & Verification
Completed parts are inspected to verify coating thickness and finish quality before shipment.
How These Controls Support Consistent Plating
The following procedures describe how each stage of our quality system helps maintain consistent plating performance. Controlled processes and routine verification help ensure the finishes we apply perform consistently from order to order.
Our goal is to provide plating results our customers can rely on so the finishing step of their production process feels seamless.
All customer purchase orders and documentation are reviewed upon arrival to confirm plating requirements before parts enter production. Incoming containers are verified and parts are visually inspected for obvious discrepancies or damage.
Once finish requirements are confirmed, a work order is created and remains with the parts throughout processing. This system ensures parts are correctly identified from receiving through shipment and helps prevent mixed parts, misidentification, or incorrect processing.
Our in-house laboratory monitors all plating chemistry at routine intervals to ensure our baths are operating efficiently and our finishes are performing as required.
Chemistry Monitoring Includes:
• Routine analysis of plating solutions
• Chemical adjustments based on laboratory test results
• Monitoring of bath balance to maintain stable plating conditions
• Periodic verification through independent outside laboratories
Maintaining proper bath chemistry helps reduce the risk of common plating issues such as uneven coverage, adhesion problems, and inconsistent finish appearance.
Our facility maintains an in-house salt spray testing chamber to verify corrosion performance of our finishes. Routine testing helps us maintain process control and ensure our finishes are delivering expected corrosion protection.
Documented work instructions are created for every order and stored with each part record. This allows operators to follow documented processing steps whenever the job runs ensuring repeat orders are handled consistently.
When hydrogen embrittlement relief baking is required, parts move into controlled ovens where temperature and cycle duration are monitored and documented to meet specification requirements.
Our ovens are calibrated regularly, and uniformity surveys verify consistent heat distribution. Routine calibration and maintenance help ensure reliable oven performance.
Coating thickness is monitored throughout production to confirm finishes meet minimum thickness requirements.
Thickness measurements are recorded using calibrated Eddy Current and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) equipment, which provide the most accurate thickness measurement on significant flat surfaces of plated components.
Plating thickness verification includes both in-process checks and final sampling once plating is complete. Our measurement equipment is calibrated at regular intervals to maintain accuracy.
Once plating is complete, parts undergo final inspection to verify finish condition and confirm processing requirements have been met.
Final inspection includes:
• Final thickness verification on a sampling of parts
• Visual inspection for coverage, adhesion, staining, and overall appearance
• Confirmation that plating requirements have been satisfied before shipment
These checks provide a final verification step before parts leave our facility.
Located in Chicago, we reach 65% of the U.S. in a day, lowering freight costs, reducing lead times, and enabling direct shipping to your customer.
With 210,000 sq. ft., we process full truckload orders efficiently, keeping parts organized and on schedule with dedicated staging, processing, and tracking.
Flaking, bleed-out, poor adhesion, we catch plating issues early before they turn into costly problems.
From fast quotes to clear answers, we simplify the plating process so you can focus on the rest of your project.
Contact Our Plating Experts
Whether you know exactly what you need or just need to talk it through, we’re here to help with quick turnaround times and expert guidance.