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Loose contaminants in Tin Plating

1999

Is it correct to say that contaminants such as dust, Tin flakes and chips in the finished product are a regular occurrence when Tin plating mild steel pins in a commercial Barrel plating process?

What can be done to eliminate the problem?

John Donovan

Dust, tin flakes and chips are never a regular occurance in a properly run barrel plating operation.

I would guess that what you have is fine filings (dust) and chips from machining or stamping and that you are not adequately cleaning the parts before tin plating. None of these things should be generated in the process.

Take a look at the parts before plating. Use a microscope if necessary. I bet you spot your source of debris rather easilty if you just look closely.

Bill Vins
microwave & cable assemblies - Mesa (what a place-a), Arizona
1999

Are there any aluminum chips mixed in with your parts? If there are they may appear as small lumps on you parts after tin plating.

Phil Pace
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
1999