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Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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PLATING COPPER ON ALUMINUM

Q. I AM TRYING TO PLATE SOME REAL SMALL ALUMINUM PARTS WITH COPPER. MY PROBLEM IS, THE PARTS ARE ABOUT .10 SQUARE INCHES EACH, AND I HAVE PROBLEMS PUTTING ZINCATE ON THEM BEFORE COPPER. THE PARTS ALSO HAVE A CUP ON ONE END. THE ZINCATE WE USE IS ALUMSEAL 2000. I ALSO USE A ROCHELLE COPPER FOR THE BASE COAT OF COPPER. THE ALUMINUM IS 6061.

ALAN J LIPORTO
- HAMILTON, Massachusetts USA
2002

A. Use a non-silicated cleaner. Use a dilute zincate. Follow the zincate with an ALKALINE electroless nickel which is available from most EN suppliers. Then copper plate on top of the alkaline EN.

Robert H Probert
Robert H Probert Technical Services

Garner, North Carolina

2002

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