Capability
Zinc-Iron Plating
Zinc-iron is a zinc alloy plating that deposits 0.5 to 1.0% iron alongside the zinc, producing a finish with measurably better corrosion resistance than pure zinc — and at a lower cost point than zinc-nickel. It occupies a useful middle ground: more corrosion protection than zinc, more economical than zinc-nickel.
The deposit offers good weldability and ductility, which matters when parts go through subsequent forming, welding, or assembly steps after plating. The alloy can also be adjusted to improve electropaint adhesion on formed steel, making it a strong choice as a pre-treatment for painted assemblies.
Iron Content
0.5–1.0%
Corrosion Performance
Between Zn & Zn-Ni
Bath Chemistry
Alkaline
Processing
Rack & Barrel
Where Zinc-Iron Sits
The Middle Ground
Zinc-iron is the right choice when zinc isn't enough but zinc-nickel is more than the program needs.
You Are Here
Zinc-Iron
Extended corrosion protection plus good weldability and electropaint adhesion. Economical and environmentally friendly.
Severe Duty
Zinc-Nickel
Roughly 5× zinc's corrosion resistance for under-vehicle and severe-environment hardware.
Where Zinc-Iron Fits
Common Applications
The alkaline non-cyanide chemistry, combined with the deposit's ductility and weldability, makes zinc-iron particularly well-suited for tubular components and parts that face additional forming or welding steps after plating.
- Fuel system components — fuel rails, fuel lines, and the tubular hardware that runs through every modern vehicle
- Cooling pipes — under-hood and engine-cooling tubular components
- Chassis components — control arms, knuckles, mounting brackets
- Fasteners — automotive and non-automotive bolts, nuts, and threaded hardware
- Door latch and closure hardware — corrosion-resistant interior body hardware
- Complex stampings and assemblies — tight-tolerance parts with multiple geometry features
Passivate, Sealer, and Paint Adhesion
After plating, zinc-iron parts can be chromated to a range of colors using trivalent chromium passivation chemistry — fully hexavalent-chromium-free, RoHS and REACH compliant, and meeting end-of-life vehicle directives. Black is the most commonly specified color for zinc-iron because it pairs well with the finish’s intended use as a durable, slightly more premium alternative to standard zinc.
Post-treatment sealers can be added to extend corrosion protection further, and the zinc-iron alloy can be specifically tuned to optimize electropaint adhesion on formed steel components — making it a strong pre-treatment choice when the final assembly will be e-coated or top-painted.
Specifications & Standards
Standards We Can Meet
ASTM B842
Standard specification for electrodeposited zinc-iron alloy coatings
ASTM B117
Salt-spray testing standard
ASTM F1940
Hydrogen embrittlement relief baking, performed in-house
Ford ESF-M21P28
Ford zinc-iron specification for fuel and powertrain components
IATF 16949
Automotive quality management process control across all facilities
RoHS, REACH, ELV
Trivalent chromium passivation, fully hexavalent-chromium-free
Looking at zinc-iron for a part?
Send us a drawing, a specification, or a part description. We’ll confirm whether zinc-iron is the right fit for your operating environment and the OEM spec you’re working to — or steer you toward zinc or zinc-nickel if one of those is a better match for the program.