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Minimizing damage to hardware during re-alodining

2004

We frequently have to re-Alodine parts that mostly have stainless hardware (PEM nuts and studs) installed, and the results vary as to the effect on the hardware. Sometimes there is little change, other times the hardware gets nasty. Is there an easy method that would minimize the damage to this hardware while still achieving good results with the re-plating?

Also, sometimes the hardware is zinc plated steel, and they come back black. I would guess that some kind of masking would be required to protect the steel hardware, and it would also protect the stainless hardware, but how tedious would it be to apply and remove such masking?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Matt Burns
Profacture Corporation - Beaverton, OR, U.S.A.

Nitric Acid is part of the make-up in the chromate process, and the cause of your issue. It would usually be a lot less expensive to remove your hardware than to mask it.

Bill Grayson
- San Jose, California
2004