Presented in Partnership with:
 
 

Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive
(Hard Chrome Plating)

by Randy Taylor, Advanced Tooling Corporation.
December, 2008

Nodular Deposit in Hardchrome Plating

Q. Can I know the root cause for Nodular deposit in hardchrome plating? Please note that component is made by using heat treated highcarbon alloy steel material.

A. Dear Sir, nodules generally indicate a poor surface preparation or inadequate reverse etch. Base metal prep should include degreasing, polishing to meet a required micro and/or grit blasting using a suitable blast media (prefer aluminum oxide) Check anodes for good condition and conductivity. Verify racking and part connection is adequate to carry the necessary amps required. Allow sufficient time for a complete reverse etch especially for large parts and when anode to cathode spacing is excessive. A standard reverse etch for high strength, low alloy steels can be from 1-2 minutes depending on part size and anode configuration.

Randy Taylor

 

 

 

 


The information contained in this site is provided for your review and convenience. It is not intended to provide legal advice with respect to any federal, state, or local regulation.
You should consult with legal counsel and appropriate authorities before interpreting any regulations or undertaking any specific course of action.

Please note that many of the regulatory discussions on STERC refer to federal regulations. In many cases, states or local governments have promulgated relevant rules and standards
that are different and/or more stringent than the federal regulations. Therefore, to assure full compliance, you should investigate and comply with all applicable federal, state and local regulations.