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Q&As since 1989


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Laser mfgr. suffers machining marks under nickel plating

Q. We have a cover for a laser made from Cold Rolled Steel, 18 gage, low carbon that then has a finish of Nickel Plating, .003 thick per MIL-C-26074 [on DLA]. We had some covers made but the quality is not so good since it is very easy to see the machine marks on the surface - probably from before plating. What is the recommended surface quality prior to plating? Do we sandblast?

Thanks.

Dan Callen
Laser Mfg - Auburn, California, USA
2003

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The bottom line is as customer you specify the finish you want the parts made to and if the supplier is not supplying what you want you have to go and talk to them.

In finishing what you start with often is the key factor in what you end up with and whilst there are a few tricks you can try it is better to ensure that you start with a good part rather than have to work hard to get a good part from a bad one.

Back to you thought on sandblast, a sandblast will hide the lines but at the cost of making the surface satin rather than bright (shiny) can you live this?

Also think of the cost of the blasting operation you have now added.

Martin Trigg-Hogarth
surface treatment shop - Stroud, Glos, England
2003