Summary for hard chrome plating anode Discussion
Hard chrome plating in a deep bowl mold with a groove can be difficult because the recess may not receive enough current density. The thread asks how to get chrome into the grooved area, and the related older Q&A addresses conforming anodes for hard chrome plating. Guillermo Marrufo says it is general knowledge not to use steel as an anode for chrome plating because it dissolves, contaminates the solution, and causes other problems; he recommends lead, or stainless steel if lead cannot be used. The discussion also points readers to Robert K. Guffie’s "Hard Chromium Plating" for more background. The practical takeaway is that anode choice and geometry matter for throwing power into recessed features, and steel is not a suitable anode material for this process.
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“Hard Chromium Plating”
by Robert K. Guffie
on Amazon (pricey)
or
eBay (sometimes)
or
AbeBooks (rarely)
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Q. I have a bowl mold that is 6 cm deep and it has a groove in its bottom part. What is the best way to make sure hard chrome will be plated in the groove? I am having a hard time to hard chrome the grooved part.
Mike Josh
– Amman, Jordan
November 8, 2021
Ed. note: While you await responses you might send a photo of that mold to finishingdotcompublic@gmail.com for posting here. A picture is worth a thousand words :-)
⇩ Similar, related, Q&As — oldest first ⇩
Q. Hello , I would like to know if it is general knowledge to use steel as a conforming anode for hard chrome plating, and if so, is there a copyright on the process of using such a method.
Charlie Vega
– Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
2003
A. It is general knowledge NOT to use steel as anode for chrome plating. It dissolves and contaminates the solution, also gives other problems. Better use lead and if not possible use Stainless Steel.
Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2003
“Chrome Plating Simplified”
by Clarence H. Peger
(copies are avail. in select libraries)
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or
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A. I think that it is general knowledge enough to not be patentable. Then, it is not practical as it puts iron ions into the chromic solution which causes problems. I have used steel wire for a very precision anode for spaces where lead that thin was absolutely too flimsy. Tiny amounts of steel anodes can be used if you are using a porous pot or similar technology to remove the contaminants formed. Cast lead mats like those Clarence Peger proposed in his book are very easy and very practical after you get the construction knack down.
James Watts
– Navarre, Florida
2003