Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Is polyethylene suitable for a chrome plating tank?

I purchased five 118 liter one piece moulded polyethylene tubs to set up a small plating line, being alkaline copper (non cyanide), acid copper, nickel and chrome, but was told that the polyethylene was not suitable for chrome solution as it changed the chemical composition of the solution making it useless . I would like to know is there any truth in this statement.

Russell Jarman
hobby/ small jobs - Picton, Western Australia
December 17, 2010

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A rotationally molded polyethylene tank is a perfectly reasonable choice for your decorative chrome plating solution. For small operations, that is the best choice.

Jon Barrows, MSF, EHSSC
GOAD Company

Independence, Missouri

December 21, 2010

I used an additive in the chrome tank and a high end temperature and medium density polyethylene was attacked. We put in a new tank and switched to another HEEF 25 with no problem. If you should have a problem, adding a thick vinyl liner will work fine.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
December 22, 2010

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January 2, 2011

You can use lead lining, which is very good and can be used as an anode.
good luck

Khair Shishani
aircraft maintenance - Al Ain, UAE

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Cair, that is not a good idea in the USA because of the lead the solution picks up, which disposal of the wastewater very expensive.
It also gives you a very high anode to cathode ratio. Anode passivation could be a problem during periods of shutdown such as holidays.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
January 3, 2011

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James,happy new year to all.
Regarding ratio after initial passivation you can disconnect and add smaller surface anodes.Regarding environment I have seen lead lining working for more over twenty years,which means the lead did not dissolve so much.
The disposed lead can be reused on contrary of a plastic disposed lining.

Khair Shishani
aircraft maintenance - Al Ain, UAE
January 4, 2011