Barrel Plating

Barrel plating is the most economical means to electroplate manufactured parts to specific requirements, including corrosion resistance and electrical properties.

The barrel electroplating method had its origins post-Civil War. The earliest electroplating units were made of wood which was the most highly available non-conductive material. Wood, however, posed problems with rapid deterioration and solution absorption.

After World War II plastic became available and made barrel plating much easier and far more efficient.

AEP utilizes rotary barrels with straight bars or danglers for anodes, depending on the geometry of the parts being plated. We have various size units that can be used based on part volume. The majority of parts coming to AEP are plated in this manner.