One of the more common questions we get from customers is, “What’s the ideal lot size we should send to maintain traceability during electroplating?” It’s a great ask with a straightforward answer.
Electroplating shops have a range of equipment, each with its own ideal capacity. They will divide your manufacturing lot into optimal sizes based on the plating barrel they use.
Most of the time, customers ask about lot sizes because they need to keep track of manufacturing lot integrity during electroplating, which is crucial for consistency and quality. This is also important in cases where a product needs to be quarantined or separated due to an issue.
Fortunately, most electroplating companies use Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, which makes tracking and maintaining lot integrity much easier.
Choosing the Right Barrel for Optimal Lot Sizes
When electroplating parts in a barrel, the size of the barrel really influences the best lot size for plating. The most common electroplating barrel sizes are 6×12, 6×6 and 6×4. Here’s a breakdown:
6×12 Barrel
This larger barrel is perfect for medium to large production runs. It holds more parts, which means faster processing and greater efficiency. Using the right lot sizes in a 6×12 barrel ensures the parts are evenly coated and the plating process is consistent.
6×6 Barrel
This versatile, mid-sized option works well for moderate production runs. It may not hold as many parts as the 6×12 barrel but it still allows for efficient plating, offering a balance between lot size and processing time.
6×4 Barrel
This smaller barrel is ideal for small production runs or tiny parts. While it can’t handle as many parts as the larger options, it’s perfect for precision plating on small batches. The right lot sizes will ensure every part is plated accurately and coated evenly.
Using the optimal lot size for each type of plating barrel is key to achieving consistent, high-quality results. By matching the lot size to the right equipment, manufacturers can streamline their plating process, reduce production time and improve overall product quality.
Best Practices for Maintaining Lot Integrity During Electroplating
To keep manufacturing lot integrity intact during electroplating, especially when dealing with multiple batches, here are some best practices to follow.
- Proper Lot Identification
Clearly label and identify each manufacturing lot with unique numbers or codes. This helps track the parts throughout the plating process. - Segregation and Grouping
Keep parts from the same lot together and avoid mixing them with parts from other lots. Grouping parts by manufacturing lot helps prevent mix-ups and maintains integrity. Shipping one lot for each purchase order is good practice. - Batch Processing
When entering a purchase order into the ERP system, the electroplater should log the manufacturing lot numbers. They’ll plate parts from the same manufacturing lot in separate batches, which ensures consistency in the plating process. Each plating batch remains traceable to its original manufacturing lot. - Record Keeping
The ERP system will keep detailed records of each manufacturing lot, including the plating times, temperatures, tank numbers and any deviations from standard procedures. This information is vital for quality control and traceability. - Quality Checks
Regular inspections during and after the plating process make sure all parts meet the necessary specifications. Any defects or issues should be documented and addressed right away. - Verification and Validation
The ERP system makes it easy to verify the integrity of the manufacturing lot before and after electroplating. - Communication and Collaboration
Not every customer needs this level of traceability, so it’s essential for the electroplater to be aware of specific requirements. Clear communication across departments involved in the electroplating process is key to maintaining manufacturing lot integrity.
By following these best practices, manufacturers can ensure consistency, quality and traceability while electroplating parts in multiple plating lots.