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Aluminum Electroplating

I am looking for suggestions on methods of electroplating an aluminum layer on a sintered iron based alloy. I am attempting to employ a barrel based method for high volume plating of aluminum, hence the need for an 'open type' system (not fully closed). My experimentation has yielded extensive pitting problems to date due to hydrogen formation, even with a non aqueous based solution.

I am not seeking a complete answer (but would accept one), only some guidelines of which direction I should further concentrate my efforts.

Russell Scudder
- OKC, OKLAHOMA
1999

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I suggest you look into Ion Vapor Deposition of aluminum. The process is used extensively in high volume applications for the U.S. military. You can probably find a shop near you to do the work. If you want to keep it in-house, there are a couple of companies that will make you a system.

Jim Treglio - scwineryreview.com
PVD Consultant & Wine Lover
San Diego, California
1999

Hi, Russell. Aluminum is too active a metal to electroplate out of an aqueous bath. All of the electricity you apply will merely liberate hydrogen and none of it will go towards depositing aluminum.

It is possible to electroplate aluminum from a sealed air-free organic electrolyte but it is a patented process.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Ted is available for instant help
or longer-term assistance.
February 29, 2009

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