Where the world gathers for
plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989

"Zinc plating temperature dependance"

-----

2003

Is zinc plating temperature dependent? I am wondering if I will have a performance difference. For example, if I plate at 40 °F (keeping everything else constant) will it take about the same amount of time as if I plate at +140 °F?

John Murray
- Palo Alto, California, USA

---

2003

John, please tell us who you are, and what is the real-world situation that motivates your questions. The answer always "depends". You will plate quicker at 140 than at 40 because the ions are more mobile and the barrier layer is thinner, but "it depends" on whether you are doing cyanide, alkaline non-cyanide, acid chloride, ammonia chloride, zinc sulphate, etc., because, for one thing, there would be no point in trying to plate at a temperature which will destroy your organic additives, and that temperature again "depends" on what system you are using :-)

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