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Comparison of electroplated vs. chemical grafted components

2003

Hi,

We do electroplating of nickel and zinc on hinges. Can anyone throw some light on chemical grafting. Can that process be an alternative to electrodeposition in terms of appearance, functional property, corrosion resistance and will it be more cost effective when compared to zinc plating. Any information on chemical grafting is deeply appreciated.

Thanks,

Venkat Raja
- Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

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When you speak of zinc plating, you refer to a generic process of applying a zinc surface by electrodeposition. Thousands of papers have been published on the subject, it is practiced in thousands of shops, and Mil, ASTM, ISO, and other standards are available.

But when you speak of chemical grafting, my understanding is that you are referring to applying one of thousands of possible monomers to the surface. If you don't tell us which monomer, and some specifics, I don't know how the readers could compare its appearance, function, corrosion resistance, and cost to zinc plating. You would need to get projections of these parameters from the supplier and talk with a satisfied customer.

We can't print praise or slams of particular companies or proprietary products.

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