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Naming Finishes

If the print says,"Zinc with Clear Chromate" and the P.O. to plate says "Clear Zinc", are these two different descriptions describe the same thing to the plater?

If there are multiple ways to describe the same process and finishes is there a reference glossary published or on-line I can refer to?

Richard Webb
Quality Engineer - Bloomingdale, Illinois, USA
October 15, 2008

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Hi, Richard. Yes, they are the same thing, but neither is adequate, nor would a reference glossary be adequate. The designer must specify the required plating process, and the specification must cover such issues as average plating thickness, minimum plating thickness, whether coverage is required in blind holes and inside of tube shapes, salt spray resistance, RoHS compliance, whether baking for embrittlement relief is required, etc. Usually you can start with an industry standard specification for plating and make any necessary modifications.

Regards,

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