Continuously innovating and keeping up with latest market trends, Allegion (New Zealand) Limited expands its local manufacturing capability by investing in a leading-edge automated electroplating plant for special finishing its door hardware. This helps ensure faster turnaround, quality control, environmental stewardship, and the ability to create market-differentiating bespoke products to meet an architectural vision.
Electroplating began mainly as an art in the 1800s and only developed for commercial purposes in the 1940s. In New Zealand, the electroplating industry grew in the 1970s, but has since dwindled to only a handful of electroplating businesses nationally.
With electroplating services in New Zealand having declined over the past 20 years, the company is working to revive local finishing capability. Owning the finishing process also helps minimise waste and supports more responsible environmental stewardship.
We anticipate continued popularity in hardware finishes driven by architectural trends and customer demands. This is where Allegion’s in-house electroplating comes in, enabling us to secure an integral part of our supply chain, generate value and expertise for our business. With our own plant, we have control over our quality, cost, lead times, prioritisation, and options for new product development.
Although electroplating has high barriers to entry, our commitment turns this to our advantage. Electroplated finishes add a premium appearance that gives the impression that the plated part is solid and of the same material as the finish. Allegion’s electroplating has automated high-throughput process that creates both consistency and highly durable finishing options.
All that glitters is not gold. Forged brass, when electroplated in stain chrome, can give the appearance that it’s made of that finish.
Allegion New Zealand’s leading edge automated electroplating plant.
Excellent finishes begin with quality parts made from appropriate substrates. Brass is versatile, malleable, easy to machine and polish, and accepts a variety of finishes well. Stainless steel and zinc die-cast are also suitable for electroplating, while aluminium and conductive plastics cannot be electroplated at the facility.
Proper preparation of raw materials after forging or machining is essential for a high-quality finish. Polishing removes forge lines and surface defects and establishes the final reflective or satin appearance. Chemical cleaning is performed immediately before plating to ensure good adhesion and consistent plating results.
Electroplating is the process of coating an object with a thin layer of metal using an electric current. Plating is used to increase its useful lifespan by improving its resistance to abrasion from mechanical wear and corrosion, whilst enhancing aesthetics.
As an example, our Legge narrow stile plate furniture is locally manufactured with the raw drawn bar loaded into a CNC mill to be precision machined, then hand polished or sateened to remove imperfections before electroplating to increase corrosion resistance and applying the desired finish.
For electroplating, the narrow stile plate is mounted onto an electroplating jig then loaded onto a flight bar and a finish is programmed into the control box. Parameters are adjusted to ensure correct plating thickness and consistency prior to the run. Automated gantry cranes transfer parts through the process, with the output of the run a Legge narrow stile plate bearing the desired finish. It is then inspected for quality and either accepted or rejected for rework.
Electroplating requires the use of hazardous chemicals. Safely managing these chemicals, along with the risks from working with electricity and mechanical equipment, are vital for preventing accidents and health problems. Allegion adopts industry leading practices for the safe use of chemicals used for electroplating, including process management and storage of these chemicals.
A key part of the electroplating investment has been the implementation of engineered controls to mitigate associated hazards. To meet resource consent conditions with Auckland Council, an independent engineering consultant was engaged to prepare an Assessment of Environmental Effects, an emergency response plan, and a waste management plan.
Wastewater treatment is managed to maintain appropriate pH and temperature and to keep metals and solids concentrations low, helping to protect the surrounding environment. The electroplating plant is designed for improved ergonomics and operability to support operator health and safety. Automation is used to minimise operator exposure to chemicals, increase productivity, and deliver a precise, consistent, and cost-efficient process.
New Zealand designed and assembled Legge 5300 Series with a Cisa lever in satin black chrome finish.
With the addition of an electroplating plant in New Zealand, we provide specialised metal finishing to complement our innovation, design, and add another feather to our local manufacturing cap.
Among our collection of finishes is the Legge Luxe portfolio of door furniture, with a total of seven luxurious finishes, across a range of levers and plate designs, designed for architecturally inspired homes and commercial projects.
Our range of finishes currently include Antique Bronze, Chrome, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Polished Brass, Satin Black Chrome, Satin Brass, and Satin Chrome.
Our team continuously assesses style trends. Renovating or building a new home requires planning for every detail, with door hardware ideally complementing other fixtures within the home, including bathroom, kitchen, and lighting accessories. The finish on door hardware is the final touch that turns a functional piece of hardware into an attractive design element.
With Allegion, you are assured that your door hardware specifications finish on a high note.
Antique Bronze offers an aged and traditional look with its rich brown hues and golden undertones. This warm welcoming finish matures over time to develop patina, giving the surface a natural aged feel.
Chrome’s mirror-like nature offers a cool sparkling finish that never dulls over time suitable for a contemporary or retro setting.
Oil Rubbed Bronze is perfect for rustic, down-to-earth living spaces, providing a dark brushed look with hints of underlying brass tones beneath.
Polished Brass has a warm and reflective golden sheen that’s a confident choice for a classic, vintage appeal.
Satin Black Chrome is a sophisticated finish that is striking and versatile, bridging traditional and modern styles. It provides a stunning contrast against light coloured surfaces.
Satin Brass is bold without being over the top with its smooth matt finish for an understated style. Unlacquered, it will mature over time to give a natural aged appearance.
Satin Chrome has a subtle lustre that’s both edgy and alluring, evoking a timeless contemporary look often used in commercial applications.
With 30+ brands sold in over 120 countries across the globe, we specialise in doorway and access security.
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