RUSTING PARTS
Our customer requires a steel part to be plated with both nickel (0.00015–0.00030 inch) and zinc (0.00025–0.00030 inch). The part is sterilized in an autoclave prior to use. Why is it rusting, and how do you suggest we solve this problem?
Q. Our customer requires a steel part to be plated with both nickel (0.00015–0.00030 inch) and zinc (0.00025–0.00030 inch). The part is sterilized in an autoclave prior to use. Why is it rusting, and how do you suggest we solve this problem? R. S.
A. I think there are a number of possible causes for this problem:
- Improper finishing of the steel substrate. The surface may be rough and the required plate thickness is not adequate to reduce porosity.
- The parts are not properly cleaned prior to the plating steps.
- Metallic contamination of the plating solutions.
- The plated thicknesses are inadequate. Thickness of the nickel deposit should be increased to 0.00035 inches and the zinc deposit to 0.0005 inches.
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