eboireau

Re: anode baskets and tin baths

ok first up.

We run an acid(stannous sulfate & sulfuric acid)bright tin bath using tin bars for anodes, well once the bars use them selves up to the point that they no longer hang on to the hook, they get tossed aside. Well my thought was to grab all the dead bars and bar heads and throw them into a stainless steel anode basket. my only concern was could i leave the basket in while not plating(say permenently) or take it out so the acid does not attack the basket. Also, should I be using a titanium basket instead? We just got two bars of tin and it cost us a fortune, any money I can try to save is always good.

Eric Boireau
H. LaRosee & Sons Inc.
Hudson MA

skelton

Re: anode baskets and tin baths

eboireau -

very good question, often asked when operating an acid tin bath.....first off, stainless is not an option, as the acid WILL attack the basket, this is not good for the solution or for your pocket book (with the price of stainless steel today)......secondly, titanium is an option, however, it too will eventually do the same as the stainless stell basket, although it will be slower and dissolves as an insoluble matter, again, not good for the pocket book.....
I was in a job shop just today and for the first time, saw a polypro anode basket with a lead electrode, making contact with the 3/4 in. tin anode balls....very ingenious setup for a tin bath.....Now, this does not solve you problem with regards to the "tin spears" you described....you need to consider the alternative of using tin anode balls in the polypro basket....you will increase your anode current density and increase plating efficiency....as for the "spears", some shops setup a small crucible, to re-melt the tin and pour into a generic mold, and pour another anode from these "spears"......otherwise you are left with using a titanium basket to recycle or make use of the notorious "tin spears"......
It's late and I would love to elaborate more...however, maybe this wknd. I can direct you to some resources to assist you further.....
I saw this post and had to reply...I hope this helps

Skelton, hOST
FinishingTalkLive
finishing.tv
finishingtalk.com
skelton's Website

eboireau

Re: anode baskets and tin baths

thanks for the info skelton, i did find a titanium basket to throw those spears in and i will use it when we have no fresh bars in the tank, otherwise, we will leave it out when not plating so it dosn't dissolve. We have fresh bars on the way, so it shouldnt be too much of a problem. i would love some more info on thos poly baskets, sounds nice.

Eric Boireau
H. LaRosee & Sons Inc.
Hudson MA

finishingmarket.com

Re: anode baskets and tin baths

"3"

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"3"

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eboireau

Re: anode baskets and tin baths

nice, i'll have to check that out

Eric Boireau
H. LaRosee & Sons Inc.
Hudson MA

eboireau

Re: anode baskets and tin baths

UPDATE:

heres what happens when the anode basket, hangs around in the bath,

WOOPS!yikes

Eric Boireau
H. LaRosee & Sons Inc.
Hudson MA