Where did the Brass Go?
We are new to the process of plating zinc diecasts. The few samples we have prepared so far look great after plating, but after top coating and baking, the brass seems to disappear. What are we doing wrong?
Q. We have a potential customer who requires zinc diecasts to be plated with brass. We are new to the process of plating zinc diecasts. The few samples we have prepared so far look great after plating, but after top coating and baking, the brass seems to disappear. What are we doing wrong? M.K.
A. Brass is an alloy composed of zinc and copper. Upon baking, the copper component simply diffuses into the casting, resulting in “disappearing brass.” What you should do is put a thin copper deposit on the zinc diecast followed by a bright nickel layer. Then plate with brass. The bright nickel acts as a barrier layer preventing the migration of the copper and as a bonus will improve the appearance of the brass layer.
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.
-
Troubleshooting Alkaline Zinc
One of the most common problems that can arise when plating with alkaline zinc is an imbalance of brightener in the solution. In this helpful Ask the Expert article, Chad Murphy of Columbia Chemical discusses how different zinc metal concentrations and brightener concentrations can impact efficiency.
-
An Overview of Electroless Nickel Plating
By definition, electroless plating is metal deposition by a controlled chemical reaction.
