Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Can we do forming after Kanigen plating?

2004

THE NEEDLE VALVE SEAT (MATERIAL:BRASS) IN CARBURETOR IS BEING KANIGEN TREATED TO COUNTER THE CORROSION FROM ETHANOL (5%) MIXED WITH PETROL. IN THE NEEDLE VALVE SEAT, AFTER THIS KANIGEN PLATING IS DONE, TWO FORMING OPERATIONS ARE DONE.

WE HAVE THE FOLLOWING DOUBTS ON THE KANIGEN PLATING:

1) Does this treatment change the material's chemical & physical properties like hardness, material structure, etc.?

2) Can forming (stacking) operation be done after the Kanigen plating?

C.B.Shetty
SENIOR Engineer - Pondicherry City, Pondicherry, India

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2004

Electroless nickel plating will not change the properties of the brass substrate. However, it will provide surface hardness (approx. 500 HV), lubricity and corrosion resistance. But, the ductility of electroless nickel is only one and one half percent at best. So any subsequent forming operations will crack the coating and destroy its corrosion resistance.

Ron Duncan [deceased]
- LaVergne, Tennessee
It is our sad duty to note Ron's passing on Dec. 15, 2006. A brief obituary opens Episode 13 of our Podcast.

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2004

Dear Mr Shetty,

Mr. Ron is accurate in his answer. What do you mean by racking^stacking? I cannot make out if you are applying pressure or moulding zinc all around the part? Please give more details.

Khozem Vahaanwala
Saify Ind

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India