Q. We are using a cyanide-based copper plating bath to plate a bell-shaped fitting with ½-inch and 1-inch diameters. We are seeing dark brown stains in the area where the 1-inch diameter is reduced to 1/2-inch. Do you have any idea what the problem is? —M.T.
A. First, I suggest you determine if the stains appear when the parts come directly out of the plating bath or if they appear after the final step in the plating process and are allowed to dry off. Without the part in hand or a photo of the part I cannot give you a definitive answer. Quite often staining of the type you describe is due to poor rinsing and drying of the parts after the plating step is complete.
Related Content
-
Possibilities From Electroplating 3D Printed Plastic Parts
Adding layers of nickel or copper to 3D printed polymer can impart desired properties such as electrical conductivity, EMI shielding, abrasion resistance and improved strength — approaching and even exceeding 3D printed metal, according to RePliForm.
-
Products Finishing Reveals 2023 Qualifying Top Shops
Each year PF conducts its Top Shops Benchmarking Survey, offering shops a tool to better understand their overall performance in the industry. The program also recognizes shops that meet a set of criteria to qualify as Top Shops.
-
A Chromium Plating Overview
An overview of decorative and hard chromium electroplating processes.
