Hard Chrome Plating On Tungsten

A. Hello Debra.

I haven't done it, but the only two methods for stripping chromium that I have ever heard of are:
- Immersion in hydrochloric acid, or
- Electrolytic stripping in an alkaline bath.

My understanding is that tungsten is resistant to attack by hydrochloric acid, so that's what I'd try until such time as someone with actual experience in it corrects me.

Hi Michael.

There is no question that getting good adhesion onto tungsten is very difficult. However, the ASM Handbook, Vol.5, Surface Engineering has a good chapter on activating and plating refractory metals like tungsten that is worth examining. It's not so much a quick tip as a protocol for how to do everything possible to maximize adhesion :-)

Good luck!

A. Hi Mike. As you see, we appended your inquiry to a somewhat similar thread.

Tungsten carbide, however, is not resistant to HCl, so I'd try electrolytic stripping the chrome plating from it in a caustic tank, but not too strong as full strength caustic will also attack tungsten carbide.

Letter 350 suggests that tungsten carbide can be plated with a Wood's Nickel Strike as an initial plating step. If you do try plating the tungsten carbide, please let us know what happened. Thanks.

Regards,