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Formula for EN Solutions

I am setting up a pilot plant to apply EN coatings (high phosphate)to mild steel flat bar to protect against corrosion from sea air.As this is a bulky application I need to try and reduce input costs by manufacturing my own EN solutions from raw materials. Can anyone tell me where I can find formulas ? Many thanks.

Chas King
metal fabrication - Port Edward, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
2005

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First of two simultaneous responses --

You may find formulas in old books like the ASM Metals Handbook from the early days of EN invention (which is 40+ years old), but soon you'll find they only give you the initial make up analysis. Very little info about how to control the bath to remain operating over time. That's why most platers, no matter how large the volume or how tight the numbers, prefer to use modern plating systems from reputed vendors. Now, from your description of the application, you may also consider electro nickel instead of EN. It's much cheaper, thus you can plate a thicker deposit for less money and probably get a similar protection. 

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2005

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

Hi Chas,You could be setting yourself up for an enormous, never ending headache. If you are one hell of a good chemist and have EN experience you may be able to pull off a cheaper generic homemade plating bath, but the venders who sell these chemicals have already made most of the mistakes you are going to see and (hopefully) fixed them. You will have no outside support.Good Luck

Trent Kaufman
electroplater - Galva, Illinois
2005

I thank you guys so much for taking the trouble to assist me. You have put me on the right track. I was dumb not to think of conventional electro nickel, my application does not need the sophistication of electroless nickel. It's a bit like buying a top of the range Mercedes to fetch your groceries from the store when a pick-up van will do the job better ! Many thanks.

Chas King
- Port Edward, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
2005

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2005

Ship me the Mercedes if you won't be needing it anymore then, Chas :-)

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

O.K. Ted, I guess you could drive it when I get off. Ho, Ho, Ho..Best regards.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2005