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Etching on H 13 steel when applying hard chrome

We are applying hard chrome to H-13 steel. We are doing some parts that are coming back for the third and fourth time to plate (just for maintenance) and we are noticing that the steel is getting an etched look to it. We looked up H-13 on the internet and noticed that there is 6% chromium in the make up of this. I would imaging that the strip is attacking this. We are using and alkaline electro strip. Having the customer switch materials is not favorable now because there are quite a few pieces that are already made and will come back for strip and re-chrome. Any ideas ?

Thanks. This is a great site !

Michael F. Deye
Plating Shop - Toledo, Ohio
2004

There will be no etch to the H-13 if you strip by immersion in 30% conc. hydrochloric acid, room temp.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2004