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Electroplating coating causing the potential for hydrogen embrittlment?

November 17, 2009

Hi,
This application is for elevator mast fabrication. The elevator is an industrial exterior hoist.
The client has a question about the bolts used to mount the gear rack to the tower sections. The bolts are made with an electroplated coating. The client wants to know if the electroplated coating will have a potential problem for hydrogen embrittlement.

Thanks,

Li Wang
Designer - St. Louis, Missouri

Hi, Li. "Potential problem?" Absolutely! Actual problem, no, it shouldn't be. Electroplating is used on such critical and heavily loaded components as aircraft landing gear. But it is necessary to bake high strength hardware after acid pickling or electroplating, and it may be necessary to have a rigid QA system that assures it and tests against embrittlement.

We have not printed your company name, but your company has at least one Master Surface Finisher in its employ. Search for your company name on this site. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
November 17, 2009

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