Sebastian Sieves

Hi, I'm Sebastian, a German Plating Engineer in China | Zinc & Zinc-Nickel (ZnNi) Electroplating Specialist, China–Germany Industrial Bridge

I am a German electroplating engineer with over 18 years of experience in zinc and zinc-nickel electroplating, specializing in high-volume automotive fastener production.

Currently based in China, working as a German electroplating engineer in high-volume manufacturing environments, I focus on process stability, scalability, and continuous improvement across electroplating lines supporting OEM and Tier 1 requirements.

My expertise includes the industrialization, commissioning, and optimization of high-capacity barrel plating systems (6,000+ tons/year), with a strong focus on repeatable, data-driven processes. I apply structured engineering methods such as SPC, root cause analysis (RCA), and statistical optimization to ensure consistent product quality and efficient production.

A key focus of my work is ensuring reliable coating performance in fully automated assembly environments, including dark factories. This includes achieving stable 4σ friction coefficients, torque, residue-free surfaces, and consistent topcoat performance in line with automotive quality standards such as IATF 16949, VDA.

I have been involved in the successful implementation of multiple fully automated zinc-nickel (ZnNi) electroplating lines, as well as advanced wastewater and resource recovery systems using vacuum evaporation technologies.

My technical background includes electrochemistry, surface treatment, corrosion protection systems, bath management, and laboratory analysis. I translate complex technical requirements into stable production standards, including SOPs, control plans, and long-term process control systems.

With a hands-on career path from operator to senior engineer, I combine practical shopfloor experience with structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, Ishikawa, and Lean manufacturing.

Operating in an international industrial environment, I bring experience in combining German engineering standards with manufacturing execution in China.

Core expertise: electroplating, zinc and zinc-nickel (ZnNi), automotive fasteners, surface treatment, electroplating engineer China, German plating engineer, process engineering, Electroplating Expert in China, Automotive Fasteners, Process Optimization, Zink Nickel Electroplating China Automotive, Barrel Plating Fasteners China