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Electroplating small parts

I want to know the best system to electroplating screws, nuts and small parts under zinc plating.

Is the cyanide system better than acid system?

Julio TÈllez PÈrez
MÈxico, DF

Cyanide systems are easier to operate, require less critical control, and offer better throwing power. Acid systems are less dangerous, more environmentally benign, and can plate directly on cast iron and high carbon steels whereas cyanide can't.

To cut to the chase, cyanide is still quite widely used on rack lines, but I get around a lot and haven't seen a cyanide barrel line in a few years now. Since screws, nuts, and small parts are barrel plated, where throwing power isn't critical, and where high carbon parts could be encountered, this is a pretty easy call: acid.

Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
finishing.com
Pine Beach, New Jersey

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