Stripping PVD Coating
Can you give me any suggestions for stripping the gold colored PVD? Alternately can the PVD layer be activated so gold can be plated over it?
Q. I have been asked to refinish a number of watchcases. They are gold colored and are made of stainless steel. The gold tone is due to a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process. Can you give me any suggestions for stripping the gold colored PVD? Alternately can the PVD layer be activated so gold can be plated over it? C.A.
A. The gold colored PVD coating is titanium nitride. It can be stripped from stainless steel using the following solution.
Hydrofluoric acid is nasty stuff to work with so use caution when working with this solution.
Component
Concentration
Hydrofluoric acid
1 part
Water
1 part
Another formulation that is reported to work well is as follows:
Component
Concentration
Hydrogen peroxide
1 part
Ammonium hydroxide
1 part
Water
1 part
I am not aware of any method for activating the PVD layer. Perhaps one of our readers has some insight into to this?
Related Content
-
An Overview of Electroless Nickel Plating
By definition, electroless plating is metal deposition by a controlled chemical reaction.
-
Advantages to Pumped Eductor Agitation
Not all agitation methods are created equally. Pumped agitation with eductor nozzles can improve process tanks and quickly show a reduction in operating costs while keeping staff safe, following environmental legislation and preventing pollution.
-
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.
