Cloudy Decorative Chrome
We have a decorative chrome plating process using hex-chrome and find that, in the high current density areas, there is cloudiness more often than not. What should we be looking for to solve this problem?
Q. We have a decorative chrome plating process using hex-chrome and find that, in the high current density areas, there is cloudiness more often than not. What should we be looking for to solve this problem? B.R.
A. The first thing you should do is determine if you see these cloudy spots prior to the chrome plating step (after the parts come out of the bright nickel plating bath). If the parts look good, then the chromium plating step is most likely the culprit. Investigate the temperature current balance. Your currents may be too low for the temperature used or vice versa.
To help you solve this problem I am sending you a copy of the Chromium Tank Doctor, which has a lot of good troubleshooting steps for classic chrome plating baths.
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