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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Red rust on chrome plated wire

We have recently been having an issue with red rust on our chrome plated parts. Our plater claims that the rust is being caused by porous wire. The wire looks very smooth to me. Also, we have used this wire supplier for 10 years and never had this plating issue before. The issue started on a specific date, and every single part after that date had the issue.

Any thoughts?

Andrew Miller
automotive - Manchester, Tennessee, USA
2006

Although all of the rod came from the same supplier, the issue occurred to many different heats of wire. The only constants were the supplier of the raw material and the plating company.

Andrew Miller
- Manchester, Tennessee, USA
2006

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Porous wire huh? Well yes it could be a reason a part is failing but it would not only be the reason. The plating specification may not be adequate for the part if there are any imperfections in the material or it could be that some aspect of the cleaning/pretreatment is not adequate for the quality of wire being plated.

I would be quite helpful to know what corrosion specification you require, what the thickness is of the plate and better yet the entire plating procedure so myself or someone could give a "learned opinion" rather than figuratively nod my head and go "Yup, that could be the cause:

Gene Packman
process supplier - Great Neck, New York
2006

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The rod is 1018 plating quality rod. The plating spec is MFCr-10.

I am not sure of the exact process that the plating company uses. I will try to find out and post.

Andrew Miller
- Manchester, Tennessee, USA
2006