Summary for post plated parts rusting Discussion
Post plated parts rusting within six months is not usually explained by a simple "shelf life" limit, according to the reply. Anand B. asked whether the rust on sheet metal chassis made in Taiwan was caused by a plating-house problem and what the shelf life of post-plated parts should be. The answer says plated components generally do not have a food-like or pharmaceutical-like shelf life; instead, corrosion can be greatly accelerated by environmental conditions. The early rusting could come from at least three broad causes: a plating specification that is not strict enough, poor plating practice such as leaving parts moist, or storage and transit conditions that are too severe for the parts and their packaging. The responder advises that if the issue is important, a plating consultant would be the right next step.
February 21, 2013
Q. hello
I work for a networking equipment company and one of our Sheet Metal chassis products in Taiwan, is showing rust both around the edge and the surface within 6 months.
The parts are post plated. What is the shelf life for post plated parts? I am wondering if this was due to a plating issue at the plating house.
thanks,
Anand B
– San Jose, Califrenia
A. Hi Anand. Unfortunately, plated components generally don’t have a “shelf life” like foods or pharmaceuticals. Common environmental factors can probably accelerate corrosion by a factor of 10 or more, and we generally don’t control those factors for metal like we would for a food.
We’d like to help you, but if this issue is important you probably need a plating consultant. The early rusting can come from at least 3 different general sources: a plating specification that isn’t rigorous enough, poor plating practice including leaving the parts moist, or storage and transit conditions that are too difficult for the parts and their packaging. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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February 21, 2013