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plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989




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I need very rough plating, like spikes or 40 grit sandpaper

2003

I am working on a vacuum tube project. One electrode is a 3/8" diameter steel tube. This tube outside has to be a very rough surface, like million small needle point spikes around 1 millimeter (0.04") length. If cannot make small, sharp needle points with electroplating, rough crystalline surface like a 40 grit Sandpaper [affil link] would be the second choice. The metal Tungsten would be the best, or Nickel, or Chromium. If cannot be electroplating in this way, Tungsten plasma plating could make it?

Thanks,

Attila Veres
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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2003

Electroless nickel can be deposited with a very deep dendritic surface which looks perfectly black because the surface topology is such a good absorber. Talk to a very good electroless nickel plating shop.

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

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2003

You can get this finish at a hard chrome plating facility. Tell them what you need and by using a combination of a slightly cooler chrome solution and a higher amperage per sq. inch of surface area, you will get your required hard wearing barnacles.

Mark Gunn
- NSW, Australia