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Consequences of improper purification of trivalent chrome plating solution

September 24, 2009

we are currently use trivalent chrome solution which provide the white finishing.
we found the plating finish was turn to yellowish, suspect that due to metallic contamination. we decide to do the purication of the trivalent chrome bath.
the purication was done by adding a complexing agent to solidify the metals in the bath,then remove it by filtration. certain amount of hydrogen peroxide was added to remove the excessive complexing agent in the bath.
we found that after the purification, the bath was unable to plate on part surface even we had replenished the additives.
and we found out the filtration was not properly done as the filter cartridge still had the remaining of the metal sludges.
would this mistake in handling affect the trivalent chrome's throwing power?
someone has similar experience?

Eng Chong Lim
Plating Engineer - Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

The tech services of the company that Mfg. the trivalent are the only people that can help you as they are the only ones that know what is in the chemistry.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
September 25, 2009

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The peroxide was probably not a good idea. I'm no expert on trivalent chrome plating, so take this with a grain of salt. Isn't a peroxide treatment a good way to oxidize you tri chrome to hex?

Trent Kaufman
electroplater - Galva, Illinois
September 28, 2009