Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

-----

FPL vs PAD

My company is currently using the FPL etching. The upkeep of this type of system has been costly and as you know presents a high environmental risk. My question is to find out opinions on the better of the two FPL or PAD etching and some downsides and upsides to the two systems.

We do single row anodizing so shadowing is not an issue but the track record of the PAD system is not very long or proven from what I can find. I am dealing with manufactured aircraft parts and repairs, all new metal no old parts are being used.

Patrick Putney
- Atlanta, Georgia, US
2001

---

2001

We have used a PAD system for 3 years and have found it to be excellent. In that time we have not had a problem with it (touches wood for luck). The similarities between the PAD and the PAA means the use of the two together really make sense.

You will only have to take the same precautions for PAD as PAA. Logistically they are the same.

Filters are required same as PAA.

You may need to add cooling coils to the tanks whereas with FPL they weren't required but your experience with PAA temperature control should tell you that.

Good electrical contact (but if you are going down a PAA line that should already be in place).

I would say that the two together just makes logistical sense particularly in terms of effluent treatment.

Environmentally, Health monitoring you should be able to make savings down the line.

Not to mention the improved relations with the local environmental groups and agencies.

We have also found the tank additions are less frequent.

Apart from the initial expenditure and setup the changes are pretty much positives.

Ciaron Murphy
- Great Britain