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Question on Cleaners: Where is this white haze coming from?

  

2003

Hello,

I'm new to chrome plating. My company currently plates about 9000 casino slot machine doors a month (if I have my facts straight). We are having a slight problem with a white hazing coming out of the chrome tank in the early morning as we start up. We do dummy out for a period of time every morning. After looking at several different possibilities I can't get away from what I think is a cleaning problem.

THE QUESTION: Could this be caused by our Electro- and Soak-clean baths? My boss thinks they last forever if properly maintained, but these cleaners are at least a year old. Any ideas would be appreciated. I'm sorry if that is not enough to go on but I am so new to this I'm just now learning what questions to ask.

Thank you,

Dustin Stephens
- Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

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2003

Dustin,

First you need to tell a little about your plating cycle. I assume that the base metal you re plating is a casting? Also that there are other processes between cleaning and chrome plating? Without this information I don't think anyone can help you with specific suggestions.

BTW off the top of my head I would check for grease on top of the chrome tank or low temperature. Also I would analyze the cleaners for alkalinity the do an oil retention test to determine the ability of the organics package to remove oils and keep them from redepositing on the parts. Also, you need to look at the quality of your rinse water - are you sure you're not getting a hard water drying stain?

Like I said, there are many things a problem like this could be. More information is needed for a more accurate assessment.

Gene Packman
process supplier - Great Neck, New York