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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
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Hard Chrome Plating On Tungsten
Q. We have some tungsten parts which have been plated with chromium plating. The plating needs to be removed and replaced.
First - What stripping solution/method would be less likely to etch the base material of the tungsten part?
Second - What is the best activation to use for chrome plating on tungsten?
Any information is appreciated.
Thanks,
Debra WheelerSouthwest United Industries - Tulsa, Oklahoma
2002
Q. We have a direct hard chrome plate requirement .010 thick on tungsten. Does anyone have a reliable method to ensure good adhesion that will withstand post grinding?
David P. Ferrairo- Seabrook, New Hampshire
2003
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A. Hello Debra.
I haven't done it, but the only two methods for stripping chromium that I have ever heard of are:
- Immersion in hydrochloric acid, or
- Electrolytic stripping in an alkaline bath.
My understanding is that tungsten is resistant to attack by hydrochloric acid, so that's what I'd try until such time as someone with actual experience in it corrects me.
Hi Michael.
There is no question that getting good adhesion onto tungsten is very difficult. However, the ASM Handbook, Vol.5, Surface Engineering has a good chapter on activating and plating refractory metals like tungsten that is worth examining. It's not so much a quick tip as a protocol for how to do everything possible to maximize adhesion :-)
Good luck!
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004
Q. IS THERE A WAY TO STRIP TUNGSTEN CARBIDE, AND CAN YOU HARD CHROME PLATE OVER TUNGSTEN CARBIDE.
THANK YOU
HARD CHROME PLATING SHOP - SANTA FE SPRING, California
June 29, 2009
A. Hi Mike. As you see, we appended your inquiry to a somewhat similar thread.
Tungsten carbide, however, is not resistant to HCl, so I'd try electrolytic stripping the chrome plating from it in a caustic tank, but not too strong as full strength caustic will also attack tungsten carbide.
Letter 350 suggests that tungsten carbide can be plated with a Wood's Nickel Strike as an initial plating step. If you do try plating the tungsten carbide, please let us know what happened. Thanks.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
August 22, 2012
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