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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Zinc finishes

What is the definition of BRIGHT ZINC as apposed to electroplated, hot dip, or mechanically applied as specified in MIl-SPECS and ASTM documents?

Thank You,

Ed Moran
- Liverpool, New York
2003

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I've never heard of "bright zinc" being part of any of the standardized specifications, But hot dipped and mechanically applied coatings are clearly not bright zinc. I have many times seen purchase orders and acknowledgements refer to "bright acid zinc", so that is perhaps what is being referred to.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

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I have to agree with Ted regarding Bright Zinc in specifications. It could be that the buyer wants a specular appearance to the finished parts. It would be at your discretion to use Acid, Alkaline, or Cyanide electrolytes. I think that the brightest deposits will come from the Acid baths. After the appropriate chromate passivation, the deposit may be brighter due to chemical polishing action in the chromate bath.

Ed Budman [dec]
- Pennsylvania
With deep sadness we advise that our good friend Ed passed away Nov. 24, 2018
2003