No passwords, No popups, No cost, No AI:
we earn from 'affiliate link' purchases, making the site possible

Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

  The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989

-----

Electro-Plating of Suspension Components

I run a small auto restoration business and am interested in offering plated suspension components as one of my services. I understand that chrome plating of suspension parts can introduce hydrogen embrittlement, so I don't want to mess with chrome. However, I am interested in the finish of zinc dichromate and/or Cad II. Are there any known problems with those two finishes, i.e., do they compromise the strength or temper of hardened steel? Also, which of the two--Zinc dichromate or cad II--is cheaper? And, which is more durable? Thanks.

Jack C. Shiver
studebaker restorations - Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Cadmium offers a great combination of properties which include corrosion resistance, lubricity, and freedom from bulky, sticky corrosion products. But cadmium is a bioaccumulative poison like lead and mercury, and probably should not be used except for critical and exceptional cases, and then should only be done by skilled plating shops.

So zinc and dichromate it is! But any plating process, and any pickling process, can hydrogen embrittle the components. Bake them immediately after zinc plating and before dichromating.

Good luck and regards,

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

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: