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1. Your anode length should be shorter than the length of your part. If the anode is too long, you will end up with heavier deposits on the end of your part or burning. 2. Metallic impurities can also cause problems. Trivalent chromium, iron, nickel, copper and zinc all can affect your chromium deposit. Have you tested your bath for "tramp" metal ions? 3. Parts being plated should be placed at least 3 inches below the surface of the plating solution. Why? The hydrogen gas that is a byproduct of the hexavalent chromium plating bubble to the surface and tends to dilute the plating solution around the work. This will cause a change in the current density in the area. Water Problems Q. I am employed by a manufacturing company that is bringing a small electro-plating setup in-house. I have been asked to help with the design of the facility, specifically in the area of water usage and quality. I have reviewed my specifications for water treatment with my boss, who believes city water will be adequate for the various plating and rinsing tanks. I, on the other hand, think that the incoming water requires further treatment before being used. Can you give me some ammunition to use in my next discussion with my boss?—J.M. A. City water, while being acceptable for human consumption, contains small amounts of impurities that are harmful to plating baths and rinsing operations. What can be found in city water? Dissolved minerals, for example. Depending on the area in which you are located, the water will contain varying amounts of iron, calcium and magnesium-based salts. The calcium and magnesium-based salts account for most of the so-called "hardness" of water. As these mate- rials build up in your plating bath, they may form a fine precipitate and will most likely cause rough- ness. Staining is another by-product of hard water. Municipal water supplies may be treated with chlorine to reduce bacteria and algae growth. During certain times of the year the bacterial and algae "load" in water will increase, and additional chlorine must be used to control these organ- isms. The result is great amounts of residual chlorine in the water. The chlorine can and does affect your plating baths. Get a water analysis from you local water supplier to find out what your local water contains. Compare the numbers with those you are proposing for use in the plant. This should give you some "ammo" for your next discussion with your boss. When the stakes are high, precision matters. When it comes to aerospace components, performance is critical. You need reliable results and premium quality fnishes, but who can you trust? Rosler has specialized in superior surface fnishing equipment and consumables for over 60 years. Our integrated system solutions provide precise, repeatable processes to meet the strict requirements of today's aerospace industry…because the stakes are high. Call Rosler today. Rosler Metal Finishing USA, LLC is the leader in mass fnishing, shot blasting, automated processes and media - made in the USA. Visit www.rosler.us or call 269-441-3000. PRODUCTS FINISHING — pfonline.com 35 PL ATING C L I N I C 0614_PF_PlatingClinic.indd 35 5/16/2014 1:41:33 PM