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Need detail on running an alkaline zinc iron electroplating bath

2004

Hello,

I'm looking for detail on running an alkaline zinc iron electroplating bath, especially to plate on cast iron parts. NaOH and zinc concentration, temperature, amps/sq. ft., etc. Anyone know where I can get this information?

Thanks!

Jordan Fine
- Albany, New York

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Such processes are proprietary. It is possible that your bath will not directly plate onto cast iron, so you may need to either change the type of plating bath or do a strike in something else. But the first source for information on proprietary processes is always the vendor of the particular process; is there any reason you are not working with them? Thanks.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004

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First of two simultaneous responses -- 2004

Mr Jordan,

Fine Zinc iron baths are, as stated by Mr Mooney, Proprietary in nature. Here is a simple outline.

caustic soda ⇦liquid caustic soda in bulk on Amazon [affil link] . 110- 120 Grams per liter
Zn as Metal 7.5 to 19 GPL depends on whether its rack or barrel

Iron as metal 50 to 120 ppm.
Brightener 7 to 12 mls per liter
Chelator 50 to 100 mls per liter
Cathode Current Density. 1 to 6 ASF
Iron in deposit 0.1 to 0.8 percent by wt.
Filtration necessary
Air Agitation. A BIG NO.
Cathode agitation recommended.
Operating temp. 20 to 28 centigrade.
Tanks . Steel unlined
Anodes .. Mild steel. ( These DO NOT dissolve) iron is replenished chemically.
Zinc is dissolved Chemically in plating solution in an off line bath and pumped in as needed.
Chromates that work well. Black. Green.
Chromates that work . Yellow
Chromates that look terrible... blue bright.

Please find someone to set this up for you.Incidentally here in India we have discovered the many virtues of Zinc Iron alloy plating and many users are taking to it. Good Luck..

Regards Asif Nurie

p.s.: These are simple outlines. A proprietary maker in the USA will provide exact numbers for their system.

Asif Nurie [deceased]
- New Delhi, India
With deep regret we sadly advise that Asif passed away on Jan 24, 2016

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

You can find some usable information in 4th edition of Modern Electroplating. Just one small chapter. Good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2004