Pits and More Pits

Question:

Platers always talk about problems with pits and porosity. I realize that causes and cures can vary with the base metal and the plating bath, but do not know very much about the causes and cures. Can you give me some general references on this problem? S.P.

Answer:

You can start out by searching the archives of the Products Finishing website at www.pfonline.com for articles on pitting and porosity. There are a number articles which discuss these problems. There is an excellent article on the subject in Plating & Surface Finishing, "Troubleshooting Decorative Electroplating Installations – Part 3: Pores, Spotting-out, Pits, Peeling & Blistering," N. V. Mandich, 87, December 2000, 74-79. The article also contains a list of references.