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Should Paraffin Based Cutting Oil Cause our Plating Source Problems?

Our current plating source is having problems they attribute to the paraffin based cutting oil we use in our machining area. Should this be causing them difficulty? Should they be able to make adjustments to eliminate this problem? Or should we investigate a non-paraffin based cutting oil (we have used this for over 10 years)? These parts are plated using an alkaline zinc process with yellow chromate.

Kevin Davis
- Versailles, Kentucky, USA
2001

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First of three simultaneous responses--

We have had many cleaning problems that have been associated with paraffin based oils. Most cleaners can't remove them adequately and then the oil is difficult to remove from the cleaner. Pavco makes a cleaner specially formulated to address these oils.

Andy Scheer
Burbank Plating Service - Pacoima, California
2001

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Second of three simultaneous responses--

The problem very well could be related to your paraffin based cutting oil. Especially if only alkaline cleaning is being used to remove it. The only reliable way to take off paraffin based oils is by hot vapor degreasing. You might try that, if it is available, to see if the problem goes away.

Phil Pace
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
2001

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First of three simultaneous responses-- 2001

Dear sirs'

I have had numerous problems with paraffin oils, and found that our cleaners must be at optimum temps. To remove any of the lubricant, we use an alkaline zinc with good success but having plated the same product for ten years I can tell you that every time I have had problems with post plate blistering it has been a temperature problem. After cross check with our in-house lab reports and production rework, has revealed a consistent pattern.We now make sure that our cleaners are kept above 85 deg.

I hope this helps.

C.C. Anderson
- Australia