Metal Finishing Guide Book

2011-2012 Surface Finishing Guidebook

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DEVELOPMENT Selective plating systems evolved from traditional tank plating processes. Some of the equipment and terms used in these portable processes still resemble their counterparts in tank processes. However, tools, equipment and solutions can- not be used interchangeably between portable and tank systems. Since it is more difficult to control temperature and current density in portable plating processes than in tank processes, there is a need for complete, integrated portable systems for commercial applications. These systems have been developed so they can be used by operators who are not familiar with tank fin- ishing techniques. Today, selective plating systems are available for electroplating, anodizing, and electropolishing. They are used to provide deposits and coatings for corrosion protection, hardness, wear resistance, conductivity, lubricity, anti-galling, salvage, and decorative applications. These systems vary in degree of sophistication and capability and are available worldwide. Small pencil-type systems apply only flash deposits on small areas. Sophisticated systems use power packs with outputs up to 500 A and are capa- ble of producing excellent quality finishes over a wide range of thicknesses and characteristics on large surface areas. INDUSTRY ACCEPTANCE Selective plating processes have gained widespread acceptance, with well over 100 commercial specifications now written. Specifications have been prepared by com- panies in the key industries that include aerospace, oil & gas, power genera- tion, automotive, marine, military, railroad, pulp & paper, and many others. The following specifications are representative of the current acceptance of selective plating processes: MIL-STD 865 Selective (Brush Plating) Electrodeposition MIL-STD 2197(SH) Brush Electroplating On Marine Machinery AMS 2451 Plating, Brush, General Requirements /1 General Purpose Nickel /2a Low Stress Hard Nickel /3a Low Stress Low Hardness Nickel /4 Cadmium LHE /5a Chromium Hard Deposit /6a Copper /7a Low Stress Medium Hard Nickel /8a Non-Cyanide Silver /9a Zinc-Nickel LHE /10a Tin-Zinc LHE /11a Cobalt /12 Tin /13 Silver EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS Selective plating equipment includes power packs, preparatory and plating solu- tions, plating tools, anode covers and auxiliary equipment. The proper selection of each item is important in achieving optimum finishing results. 338

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