Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Bubbles problem in tin plated aluminium

Hi we are doing copper,tin plating on aluminium pre treatment we are doing zincate dip also but we are facing blister problem. how to solve this problem. we are using alkaline copper, acid tin plating on aluminium bus bar. How to control this problem.

Dhina [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
electroplater - Kuwait
2007

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Hi, Dhina. Is this a new problem? If so have the parts changed or the solution changed? When you break off a blister, what do you see on its backside and what do you see on the substrate? The metal you see in these locations can be helpful in determining what step in the process is bad. Without such information there is unfortunately no way for us to even guess whether the problem is in cleaning, zincating, or coppering. Good luck and get back to us.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007