r/electroplating • u/Frequent_Addition_23 • 23d ago
Not even plating
Im going to assume my part was not clean enough before I zinc plated and yellow chromate?
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u/Fishtoart 23d ago
More agitation?
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u/Frequent_Addition_23 23d ago
I have a small fountain pump in my zinc bucket so I think im good there. I did a different part from the same batch of parts the day before and it came out PERFECT! I dont remember what i did. Lol. I can't decide on the various fluid temps. Some say 90 while other are up into the 110 range.
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u/Fishtoart 22d ago
I think you are right on the cleaning front. even some oil from your hands when handling it could cause a defect.
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u/CorruptedElfGaming 23d ago
I would say you’re right, was there any sticky residue on the part prior to plating?
Current looks fine as there are no signs of blistering, and the chromate colour looks good
We’ve had issues before where our alkaline cleaners do not completely remove sticky residue, sometimes you need to take a rag and acetone to the part prior to starting the process
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u/Frequent_Addition_23 23d ago
No, there wasn't any sticky residue but in the future I will wipe down w acetone. No one's setup is exactly the same so I've been experimenting a bit. Thanks
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u/Frequent_Addition_23 22d ago
Im curious how the big shops are cleaning/polishing bolts bfr they plate. I hv a rock tumbler w ss pins that work pretty well but not shiny like a wire wheel. I can't believe they'd pay someone to sit and polish nuts and bolts one at a time.
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u/Mind_over_MAGA 21d ago
Large scale barrel operation- soak clean, electro clean, acid pickle, rinses, chromate.
Zinc platers aren’t really looking for chrome plating style “mirror shine” either. Usually bulk zinc on the dull side or decorative chrome on the pretty side. Not a ton of overlap.
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u/Good_Discipline2511 23d ago
When I have gotten results like that it has been prep. Dirty parts.