As a fabricator or manufacturer, having the ability to have all your plating completed through one plating company is always the best option. By working with one company and not several you can coordinate your orders and delivery, streamline your paperwork, often receive volume business price breaks and coordinate all aspects with one phone call.
Finding the right plating company to do all that work isn’t as difficult as it may sound. However, it is well worth the time to compare the various companies out there and see what they offer when compared to the competition. Typically, with top companies pricing is not going to be a deciding factor as they are fairly close in their costs.
It is more likely the other factors which will provide the greatest variation and can make a good company a great option as a partner in your production needs.
Experience in the Industry
There is nothing like actual years in the industry to determine the quality you can expect from any plating company. New startup companies often lack the experience and expertise to complete orders without defects, and uniformity of coating can be an issue without experienced technicians and processes in place.
The best companies will not only use cutting edge technology and equipment, but they will also focus on environmentally friendly and safe options. This is important not just for their employees but also for and within the industry as a whole.
Available Process Options
Not all plating company systems are set up to handle all types of plating options. Most companies will provide either rack plating or barrel plating, but for most parts rack plating is considered the better option.
Besides zinc plating, some companies also provide trivalent passivation as well as the application of sealers and topcoats for a finished product and part. These additional services, including packing and shipping as well as inspection, ensure your parts arrive exactly as you require.
Customer Service and Support
While customer service and support may not be your first factor to consider, a plating company with experience, processes, and customer service provides a much better experienced at every step in the order process.
Top companies with a focus on customer satisfaction and support will be ROHS compliant and will have the industry certifications and approvals required for all types of production. The best companies will also go through a self-assessment process to provide their customers with a full understanding of their processes from management to daily operations.
With over 70 years in the industry and top ratings in processes and customer service, DeKalb Metal Finishing is a quality plating company. To see our certifications or to learn more about what we offer visit our website at www.dekalbmetal.com.
