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I have two questions to ask you. Could you please reply and explain them for me?

2006

Dear Sir,

My name is Mee. I am a Thai student in Thailand who are interested in electroplating. I have two questions to ask you. Could you please reply and explain them for me?

Question-1)

The company has been requested to process some components with bright nickel, a process which in the past it has not required. However, the quantities involved and the value will make it a very viable business.

You are requested by your supervisor to draw up a list of plant and equipment which can be integrated into an existing manual electroplating process line just by moving some tanks. All cleaning and pretreatment facilities are established.

Some information has been worked out as follows:

Tank size to be 1.8m x 0.8m x 0.8m (L x W x D)

Full tank load to be 90 square decimeters of work

Current density for the bright nickel deposition to be 4.0 A / square decimeters

Your list should specify the tank and lining, electrical supply and control equipment, solution heating and any other items of ancillary equipment. Materials of construction and where applicable an estimate of the rated output of equipment e.g. amperage of rectifier, flow rate etc.

You may give optional suggestions for items of equipment if you wish.




Question-2)

You are technically qualified in the theory of electroplating processes such that when asked by a friend to "stand in for a day" and process some zinc based diecast components requiring cyanide copper plating plus bright acid copper plating, you anticipate no problems. All times, temperatures, current etc for the various stages will be prominently documented and displayed.

The components have been polished to a mirror finish but show evidence of grease and polishing composition and are awaiting jigging (racking), processing and packing.

However, you are aware that health and safety legislation requires you take all necessary precautions to safeguard yourself, and others, against accident damage or harm.

2.1 List the items of personal protection equipment you would use/wear at the various stages and the reason(s) for its use.

2.2 Make reference to the stages in the process sequence where particular care needs to exercised.



I am looking forward to seeing your answer soon.

Yours sincerely,

Mee Boon
student - Thailand

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Please correct me if I am wrong, Mee, but it looks like these two questions are reprinted right out of a book and are your two homework or project assignments. If I do your two project assignments for you, what does that leave you to do? What am I missing here?

I must say, though, that these questions are deep and detailed and if you successfully answer them your school has done a good job in educating you. To my knowledge there is neither a trade school nor a university in America that prepares students for a metal finishing career as your school seems to be doing. Thank your teachers.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2006