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Chrome plating on K-Monel 500

I have several questions:

1) Is there a company in the western US that is proficient at Chrome plating on K-Monel 500? The plating would have to pass a 180 deg. bend test.

2) Does any one know of a successful activation for chrome plating on K-Monel 500?

3) Does any one have any tips on how to activate K-Monel 500?

Garry Pickett
aerospace - Los Angeles, California
1996

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You may try Puma C-12 Activator (Puma Chem Corp. NJ). But regardless of activation, good luck trying to get chrome to make a 180 degree bend test unless the layer is exceedingly thin.
Dave

Dave Kinghorn
Chemical Engineer
SUNNYvale, California
1996

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1996

Not Sure for Monel, but we have had great success with a standard anodic activation in 20% sulfuric acid (see AMS2406 ) on all kinds of stainless steels and Nickel alloys. Adhesion is always excellent. We are a jobshop in Eastern Canada, but work for customers from all over the North America. Can do a free trial for you.
Max

Max Stein
captive metal finisher - Montreal, Québec, Canada

We have tried using Puma C-12 at two different vendors and both times the unbond was so bad that you had to duck. You could pull it off with your finger nails. 180 degree bend tests are done all the time in the industry with chrome. We have had vendors pass a bend test with .010 inch of chrome on a K-Monel coupon. Our problem is that no one can duplicate the process successfully. Only one out of six activation's can pass a bend test. We can't find a reliable process.

Garry Pickett
aerospace - Los Angeles, California
1996