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Weeping from aluminum airbearings

we just started plating airbearings and I am having problems with weeping, the bearings are 6061 aluminum, do I need more agitation or less agitation? Could the problem be poor rinsing? the bearings are fragile and I cannot be very aggressive for fear of parts falling off the rack, I don't see the weeping after the nickel strike but it could be there, q.c.checks the parts at 10x, I have tried everything I know,sure could use some help thank you jamie harris

Jamie harris
plating shop - denver colorado
1999

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Hi, Jamie. I don't know much about air bearings, but believe that they are sintered and highly porous so that air can blow through them to provide support without contact.

I am guessing that by "weeping" you mean pretty much the same thing as "bleed out" of plating solutions, with consequent staining?

I think you need really good rinsing, including ultrasonics and alternating hot & cold rinsing. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
February 23, 2009