Specifications
Q: How should electroplating specifications be called out on
engineering drawings? Our job shop gets many jobs with notations such as zinc
plate or bright nickel plate. In many cases we have to spend a lot of time
determining exactly what the customer has in mind. I want to prepare a set
of guidelines for our customers with suggestions on how to call out plating
specifications. Any suggestions? S.J.
A: I continue to be surprised by the fact that electroplating
specifications are rarely specified correctly or at all. The process is not
difficult. The electroplating process is specified by referring to a standard
procedure such as ASTM B 700-90, Electrodeposited Coatings of Silver for Engineering
Use. The ASTM is a major source of standards. It can be contacted at 100 Barr
Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 610-832-9500. A good listing of
many of the standards that are used in the electroplating industry can be found
in the Metal Finishing Guidebook and Directory, 2000 Edition, 914-333-2500.
These standards list the items (thickness, test methods, etc.) that must be
specified on purchase orders and engineering drawings.
I suggest that you obtain copies of the specifications that apply to the types
of plating your shop performs. You can use these specifications to help with
the writing of your customer guidelines.
