Posts by Ira Donovan

Dustin,

Does the spec reference any tape spec?  For example 200 PSI, which is common for some aerospace applications.  I can order tape from 3M if I knew the specific requirement, as I am sure they did not do any testing on the repaired portion.

I am knida looking forward to the look on the guys face when I do the test in front of him.  If I was mean, I would ask him if I could do it on one of his new cars, but the liability is too great.  So, just looking for the ammo to make my case.

Thanks for the info provided though.

Ira

One formulation that I have had success with is:

Nickel Fluoborate - 250 g\L

Nickel Chloride - 8 g\L

Boric Acid - 20 g\L

pH - 3.2

The nickel chloride is necessary for proper anode dissolution.

The boric is for pH buffering.

Good Luck!

Ira Donovan, M.S.F.

I am curious who out there is interested in sustainable design for their facilities. This is primarily to reduce their carbon footprint on society and the environment. I am about to author a paper on the subject and would like some input from the industry.

Any comments are welcome!

Ira Donovan, M.S.F.

Chris,

Ultrasonic cleaning is a great tool if utilized effectively. First and foremost, ultrasonics add a chemically related mechanical action to clean parts. The chemistry you use directly impacts the results you actually receive. You would need a good aqueous cleaner that would bind up any oils and greases that come off. So lid particles should settle at the bottom of the tank. In the case of heavy rust or scale, you may need to pickle first.

It is important to note that solutions between aluminum blocks and cast iron blacks may not be compatible. Check with your supplier or an expert if there are questions.

Hey Zurv,

I know that the metal finishing guide book used to be online. I think it is on metalfinishing.com. I am not sure if you have to register to download.

Ira Donovan, M.S.F.

Just to add my own twist to thew complexity of EN coatings, there is the boron based coatings. For actual coating of substrate, there are distinct differences between the phosphorus based and boron based solutions. There are too many variables to identify the epoxy adhesion characteristics to a given coating that has chemical variations within eery 15minutes of coating.

I would recommend an article that I published with the AESF two years ago comparing the propoerties of hard anodizing and electroless nickel plating. This can now be found at [url]www.nasf.org[/url] under proceedings.

Ira DOnovan, M.S.F.

Recument Biker,

I apologize for my delay in responding, but I have been bidding on a large project. There are two things that influence the corrosion resistance of manganese phosphate.

First, the grain structure of your phospate. Finer grain structure, in my experience, will yield higher corrosion resistance.

Second, an appropriate passivation step, i.e. chromic acid dip. This dip first stops the phospating reaction and then passivates the exposed free iron.

Some of the new treatments, includes the use of water soluble oils, to further enhance corrosion resitance.

I hope this helps you in your troubles.

Ira Donovan, M.S.F

The cheapest way to chome your wheels is to take them to a local job shop to have them processed. Although you have the metal plating bible, you are probably not in possession of the EPA regulations that govern the metal finishing industry regarding air and water discharges. By processing these in your "garage" you may face fines and penalties of up to $25,000/day and even jail time.

The process of re-chroming wheels is a mixture of science and art, and should only be performed by an experienced plater. It is most likely, that you will not get it right the first time, second time or third time. Our industry has invested time, technology, and money in providing America with the finest finishes, despite the overwhelming regulations and costs of manufacture.

I appreciate your interest in the process, and applaude you if you are willing to invest the time and money to open a shop. But if this is just for a set of wheels for you or a friend, I would recommend you pony up with  …

Dear AERHEAD2,

The major differences between the Class 1A and 3 have to do with the electrical resitace properties of the coating. The Class 3 may appear slightly lighter in color due to the difference in film thickness. Both coatings shall meet the overall corrosion resistance qualities, however the class 3 will have a lower electrical resistance, thus is frequently used in mating applications for conductivity.

Captain,

As a consultant to the industry, I have seen hundreds of decorative and functional plating facilities. I make it a point to keep up on the technological advances to reduce costs to companies such as yourself. I have seen various devices and schemes used to reduce the need to maintain baths on a regular basis. Some work okay and others are useless based on first hand knowledge or feedback from clients. In my position to the industry, I am unbiased to any vendor or product line, as I am here to serve my clients.

With that said, I have seen systems that reduce maintenance cost by continuous carbon filtration that can be adjusted to the bath usage and contaminant build-up. It was basically a "use until spent" system which was not monitored, thus increased analytical costs were required.

Another system was installed to reduce loading to the industrial wastewater treatment system by removing the nickel. It was later modified to produce a lower current density to provi …