The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Specs for adding a copper layer to chrome plating process?

How would I incorporate adding a copper layer to a procedures list for Chrome Plating Specs. Does it occur before or after the reverse alkaline electroclean and are there any additional steps that need to happen prior to the application of nickel. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Mary Scott
Manufacturing - Vancouver, Canada
April 24, 2008

---

Hi, Mary. Can you give us the context of what kind of parts (steel?) you want to do this on and why? If you intend to buff the parts after copper plating, the sequence would be more complex.

The biggest issue I foresee is that you would probably need to use cyanide based chemistry. You can't acid copper plate steel, although you might possibly be able to use a cyanide-free copper pyrophosphate. The simplest sequence would probably be electroclean, cyanide copper plate, acid copper plate, nickel and chrome plate. Very good rinsing is needed after the cyanide plating.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
April 25, 2008

We are using steel..the reason I wanted the copper layer was because I heard that it helps prevent corrosion as these items will be for outdoor use. Is it necessary to have the copper?

Mary Scott
- Vancouver, B.C., Canada
April 25, 2008

---

Hi, Mary. No, copper will not increase the corrosion resistance. But two layers of nickel (duplex nickel) with the correct potential difference between the two layers, is necessary for outdoor use.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
April 27, 2008