Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Cycle Times for Anodizing, Bright Chroming and Electropolishing

2006

Hello, I work as a cost estimator (I would consider myself a "rookie" when it comes to finishing processes, etc.) and am trying to learn about the cycle times with respect to the following: 1) anodizing Aluminum; 2) Chroming Steel; 3) Chroming Aluminum and 4) Electropolishing.

There are some articles, etc. that show the various processes and some of the preparation work (i.e. wheelabrating, etc.) that oftentimes is necessary to get a "good finish", but as of yet, I haven't had any luck finding any information on actual cycle times.

Put simply, how long would it take to process 1 part through each of the aforementioned processes? For instance (10 minutes in this tank, 15 minutes in this tank for a 4 hour total time ). I understand that there will be many parts on a rack, etc. but I am trying to gauge the relative time so I can differentiate between the processes for potential cost savings potential.

If there are books/literature that I can reference, that would be great as well. Better yet, if there are models for painting/finishing that exist, I would consider this to be the proverbial "Holy Grail" for estimating.

Any information/advice that you could provide would be very beneficial to me personally and professionally -- thank you.

Joseph Michael Berak
Cost Estimating - Warren, Michigan (US)

Hi. I'm a Brazilian enthusiastic amateur about metal plating, and I'm facing some troubles to determine the actual cost of metal finishings, esp. for rotatory zinc plating. Does anyone have a spreadsheet that could be used to determine the cost of the process? Don't matter the currency of the spreadsheet, I can adjust it to our own currency. All I need is some help about the procedures to account raw materials (esp.), energy and labour costs (desired, but not essential) related to metal plating. Thanks.

Marcelo da Luz
Hobbyist and decorator - Curitiba, Pr., Brazil  
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You need a copy of the Electroplating Engineering Handbook [on AbeBooks or eBay or Amazon] .
You might use the link from this site for Amazon and get a used one. Another good reference would be the plating and the painting books that come with a subscription to Metal Finishing. There is a link from this site. Beg for a copy of each when you start. They are normally sent after the new ones are printed.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2006

adv.