Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989

-----

Plating Tank - What kind of material can it be?

So, I have a project I'm working on, plating Copper to an Aluminum panel - there's already a question on the DIY nature of that here, so I won't bore you with that. However, I do have another question that's rather important, as it would determine my costs.

I've noticed online that there are a lot of polyethylene plastic tanks used for immersion - they're non volatile, and can withstand acidic solutions with no problem. I was wondering if either a glass or stainless steel tank would be just as useful for a slightly acidic solution. If not, what's the likely negative outcome from using a metal and/or glass immersion tank for electroplating?

Joe Tynan
Hobbyist - Seattle, Washington, USA
March 12, 2009

March 15, 2009

Hi, Joe. Although there are several different types of copper plating solution and they are very different from each other, a steel tank is inappropriate for any of them. Glass should be okay except in the unlikely event that you are using fluoborate-based copper plating solution; but glass can break, causing a pollution incident and a possible safety issue. Polyethylene is probably okay, but a fire hazard if you put an electric heater in it.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

Thank you for the response! Fortunately, I do not plan on having a heater inside the bin.

Joe Tynan
- Seattle, Washington, USA
March 27, 2009

It is safe to use a heater in a plastic tank if the heater is derated and has low level conductivity and thermal safety switches built into them. I would not say that this is totally true for quartz heaters, as I watched one blow the top off and melt the top lip of a poly tank. The thermal safety device was still in the solution.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
March 30, 2009

Plating aluminium is not easy and needs a zincate treatment. This contains cyanide, so I would be very careful in doing it and make sure that you don't dump any of the zincate down the drain - you could end up in court

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
April 2, 2009

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: