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Barrel plating aluminum parts

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Current postings:
May 24, 2022Q. I am wondering if steel ball bearings are the best filler for barrel plating?
John Marty IIIOwner - Mansfield, Texas
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Closely related Q&A's, oldest first:
2006Q. Does anyone know if it is possible to barrel plate aluminum grooved mandrels successfully in a nickel sulfamate bath, with a low luster finish. Plated mandrel cannot sustain heavy dent on outer surface. Anxiously waiting for any suggestion. Thanks for your consideration.
Victor parastschenko- Cedar Grove, New Jersey
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2006
A. Theoretically yes, practically, maybe. For a "zincate" use a proprietary alkaline zinc plating system. Turn the parts in the barrel for a long time, about 45 seconds, before turning on the power, then turn on the power and electroplate enough to withstand the abrasion of the tumbling, then switch over to the sulfamate nickel and continue barrel plating.

Robert H Probert
Robert H Probert Technical Services

Garner, North Carolina

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2006
A. To prevent dents & marks, How about using shots or fillers, at a low barrel speed.
Hamilton Solidum- Mays Landing, New Jersey
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