optimal water management solutions
Published

“Whitewash” Again

Question: I have a small chrome plating shop.  I have problems when plating larger parts, such as bumpers.

Share

Question:

I have a small chrome plating shop.  I have problems when plating larger parts, such as bumpers. The center areas come out with a gray haze or a “whitewash” appearance. I do not have this problem when I plate smaller racked parts. Can you help me solve this problem? J. B.

Answer:

This is a common problem and can be caused by a number of different things. Since you mention that this problem only seems to happen when plating large pieces, I would investigate whether you have the proper current density and temperature for your plating bath. Placing a large piece into the plating tank will change the current density and the temperature of the bath and may be causing the problem.

There are two excellent papers available on this subject. They can be found on www.pfonline.com/plate. In the search box type in whitewash and you will find the papers listed.

 

Related Content

  • A Chromium Plating Overview

    An overview of decorative and hard chromium electroplating processes.

  • Trivalent Chrome Overview

    As the finishing industry begins to move away from the use of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium, what factors should finishers consider as they make new investments? Mark Schario, chief technology officer for Columbia Chemical offers a helpful overview of this complicated topic.

  • 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.

Luster-On Products
In-Place Repairs for Canning Presses
Hitachi High-Tech FT200 series
optimal water management solutions
KCH Engineered Systems
Gardner Intelligence
PF Podcast
Products Finishing 40 Under 40
KCH Engineered Systems