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topic 29460

Plating roughness

2004

I am in charge of an electroplating facility that provides zinc electroplating (acid chloride) service to our customers. One of our customers recently rejected our components due to roughness of the surface. We are suspecting that poor filtration or a high boric acid might be responsible for causing this roughness. We are still getting components with roughness and looking for ways to resolve it. Any comments will be highly useful.

Prabha Samuel
Electroplater - Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

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2004

If you have more roughness on the top, (as plated)it is definitely a filtration problem. A simple analysis will tell you if you have a boric acid problem or any other chemical imbalance. You might have magnetic parts holding some very fine particles to the part. Fix the problems one at a time and you will find out which one was the cause of your rejects.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

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2004

Ms Samuel,

Continuous Filtration is necessity number one for acid zinc Plating. You need che ck pH is not higher than recommended. Older systems run well at 4.4 ,,, 4.6. The new Generation systems accept air agitation and work really well at 5.4 pH. The roughness experienced must be attended to with a filter.

Regards,

Asif Nurie [dec.]
- New Delhi, India
With deep regret we sadly advise that Asif passed away on Jan 24, 2016

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2004

Mr. Sammuel,

Indeed, you have a filtration problem. Check the filter, first, your boric acid pH second.

Joel Garcia
- McAllen, Texas

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2004

PRACTICALLY I HAVE NOTICED THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM,
COVER ZINC ANODE WITH P.P BAGS
USE GOOD QUALITY PADS IN FILTER
USE GOOD CHEMISTRY

Ajay Raina
Ludhiana, Punjab, India