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Aluminum platings for marine application
Q. Looking for recommendation on platings for aluminum tubes for a large cylinder (12" bore, 10 ft. stroke). We have a marine application utilizing sea water to power cylinder. Any comments on the use of chrome plate and/or electroless nickel?
Thanks for your help,
Ted Schiller, P.E.- Carlsbad, California
2003
A. Chrome plating is porous and not terribly corrosion resistant on it's own. A high quality duplex nickel plus chromium plate might meet your needs, but electroless nickel sounds better. Remember that this technology (electroless nickel plating of aluminum) is only appropriate where breaks in the coating will not happen; you will get terrible galvanic corrosion if any aluminum is exposed.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Ted is available for instant help
or longer-term assistance.
2003
A. Electroless Nickel plate the part; don't worry about small imperfections in the coating exposing aluminum. Attach what is called a zinc anode on the part. Zinc anodes are used on engines, prop shafts and many other things in marine environments. Zinc anodes provide galvanic or sacrificial protection and must be occasionally inspected and replaced.
Todd Osmolski- Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
2003
Your answer is a great improvement upon mine, Todd! Thanks for reminding us that sacrificial zinc anodes can solve the problem that I was concerned about.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Ted is available for instant help
or longer-term assistance.
2007
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