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Zinc fails to plate on all surfaces of the product

Hi,

I have recently set up a small electroplating plant to plate cages that we manufacture. The cage panels are about 1 meter by 700mm and are manufactured using 12mm mild steel pipe for the frame and wire mesh to complete the panel.

My problem is that when plating, the panel plates thoughout except on one or more of the sides. (Either top or bottom of the mild steel pipe.) We have tried various ways of jigging but to no avail. Any help? I thank you in advance. PS we use a cyanide-zinc plating process, which is then yellow passivated.

Nick van der Linde
ElectroPlating - Cape Town, Western Province, South Africa
2004

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Hello Mr Nick van der Linde,

This partial plating is on account of different types of steel on your pipe and on your mesh material. Whilst one plates the other only gasses! Plan on switching over to chloride zinc plating, which has better plateability over all kinds of material.

Khozem Vahaanwala
Saify Ind

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

2004