Postgraduate Diploma in Finishes, Electroplating and Reproduction Markings
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Finishes, Electroplating and Reproduction Markings. 8 modules covering ISO 1456 (electrodeposited nickel and chromium coatings), ISO 2081 (electrodeposited zinc coatings) and advanced Excel. Assigned tutor and enrolment open.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Identify the original finishes of period parts.
Prepare surfaces for electroplating coatings.
Select electroplating processes according to function and appearance.
Apply conversion coatings, blackening and phosphating finishes.
Mark reproduction parts permanently and traceably.
Distinguish a legitimate reproduction from a counterfeit.
Verify the quality of finishes using standardised tests.
Who it's for
- Electroplating technician who wants to specialise in Finishes, Electroplating and Reproduction Markings.
- Finishing manager for reproduction parts who wants to specialise in Finishes, Electroplating and Reproduction Markings.
- Coating quality technician who wants to specialise in Finishes, Electroplating and Reproduction Markings.
- Marking and traceability technician who wants to specialise in Finishes, Electroplating and Reproduction Markings.
- Compliance adviser for reproductions who wants to specialise in Finishes, Electroplating and Reproduction Markings.
- Mechanical parts restorer who wants to specialise in Finishes, Electroplating and Reproduction Markings.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter surface treatment.
What you'll work with
- ISO 1456 (electrodeposited nickel and chromium coatings)
- ISO 2081 (electrodeposited zinc coatings)
- ISO 4520 (chromate conversion coatings)
- ISO 9227 (salt spray test)
- Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 REACH (restriction of hexavalent chromium)
- ISO 2178 (magnetic method thickness measurement)
- ISO 4042 (fasteners with electrodeposited coatings)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Role of the finish in authenticity1.2Original finishes by period and make1.3Research into original finishes1.4Function versus appearance1.5Selection according to base material1.6Finishes and corrosion1.7Cost of each finish1.8Suppliers and subcontracting1.9Applicable environmental regulations1.10Case study: original finish of period fasteners
2.1Degreasing and pickling2.2Shot blasting and microspheres2.3Mechanical polishing2.4Electropolishing2.5Pre-electroplating activation2.6Masking2.7Cleaning control2.8Preparation of zamak and aluminium2.9Preparation of printed parts2.10Practical exercise: preparation sequence for a brass part
3.1Fundamentals of electrodeposition3.2Copper, nickel and chrome plating3.3Trivalent versus hexavalent chromium3.4Zinc plating and passivates3.5Historical cadmium plating and alternatives3.6Tin and silver plating3.7Gold plating and decorative finishes3.8Bath control3.9Hull cell testing3.10Laboratory: Hull cell test
4.1Chemical blackening4.2Zinc and manganese phosphating4.3Aluminium anodising4.4Stainless steel passivation4.5Powder coatings4.6Stove enamels4.7PVD coatings4.8Chemical patinas4.9Protective varnishes4.10Workshop: anodising an aluminium part
5.1Laser engraving5.2Micro-percussion5.3Stamping and punching5.4Marking in the mould5.5Pad printing and screen printing5.6Labels and plates5.7Batch and date codes5.8Identification marks for reproductions5.9Marking durability5.10Practical exercise: selecting a marking technology
6.1Distinguishing a reproduction from an original6.2Discreet and permanent marking6.3Club and competition rules6.4Fraud prevention6.5Brand licences6.6Type-approval markings6.7Manufacturer's liability6.8Information for the buyer6.9Register of manufactured parts6.10Case study: a manufacturer's marking policy
7.1Thickness measurement7.2Coating adhesion7.3ISO 9227 salt spray7.4Hardness testing7.5Gloss and colour7.6Visual inspection7.7Hydrogen embrittlement7.8Treatment certificates7.9Management of non-conformities7.10Workshop: test plan for a chrome-plated batch
8.1Selecting the part8.2Research into the original finish8.3Preparation process8.4Selecting the finish8.5Marking plan8.6Quality plan8.7Costs8.8Documentation8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the enrolment period, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Advanced Excel, Minitab, Fusion 360, LightBurn (laser marking), in free, academic or trial versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for coating thickness control, salt spray testing, laser marking and part stamping. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Identify the original finishes of period parts.
Prepare surfaces for electroplating coatings.
Select electroplating processes according to function and appearance.
Apply conversion coatings, blackening and phosphating finishes.
Mark reproduction parts permanently and traceably.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 800 total hours spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Advanced Excel, Minitab, Fusion 360, LightBurn (laser marking). Free, academic or trial versions are used, and the tutor indicates the open-source alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a Course or Postgraduate Diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher-level programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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