The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Anode and Cathode Efficiency

 

Can anyone help and explain how can I get the percentage of the anode and cathode efficiency from my hard chrome tank? If possible,can I used it for others chemicals example Cadmium tank . Any equipment require for this checks?

Thank you,

Settikere Bhyrappa Manjunath

---

Well, chrome plating is done with insoluble anodes, so the anode efficiency is zero--that one was easy. The cathode efficiency will be about 10 to 12 percent and is determined by plating something, stripping the chrome off and weighing the chrome, and then comparing it to the weight that Faraday's Law says you should have deposited.

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

---

I would do non destructive test by measuring thickness of chrome plating. Compare it with Faraday's law and ideal thickness and get efficiency. The thickness meters can do very quick job. Do measure actual area of plated surface and the Amp Hr required in calculation.

Payal Mag

---

 

In response to Payal Mag- Charlotte, NC -Need to consider the throwing power, obviously will not be uniform, deposition will be more parabolic in most cases therefore Ted Mooneys' suggestion of stripping the chrome off and *weighing the chrome,* and then comparing it to the weight that Faraday's Law says you should have deposited would be more appropriate

*Probably weighing the cathode/material to be plated, before and after plating would be a better option*

Paul [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]