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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Test for Nickel and or Chrome plating thickness on brass substrate

We are looking for an inspection process or device to measure plating thickness on brass substrate. We are a lighting/builders hardware manufacturer and receive components from other sources and sub out our chrome and nickel plating. We brush some of the nickel to produce a "satin" finish and plating thickness is critical in order to have enough plating so as to not brush through the plating and expose the brass substrate. The brushing process becomes a defacto inspection process which becomes expensive since if the thickness is not adequate and "brushes through" we have to scrap some expensive components.

Earl Bennett
Rejuvenation Inc. - Portland, OR, USA
2006

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There are instruments for all kinds of coatings on all kinds of substrates; the accurate way out if to cut a section, polish and look at the cross section under a 1000 X microscope and read out the thickness with suitable software.

Khozem Vahaanwala
Saify Ind

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

2006

Depending on the shape and size, an XRF (X-Ray fluorescence spectrometer) would be the best, non-destructive method.

Jeff Marten
- Colorado Springs, CO, USA
2006