Replacing Copper Cyanide Strike Baths
Question: We use a copper cyanide strike bath and would like to replace it with a non-cyanide type bath.
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Question:
We use a copper cyanide strike bath and would like to replace it with a non-cyanide type bath. Can we substitute a copper sulfate bath in our strike step? D. J.
Answer:
In some instances you can, but I do not generally recommend this type of substitution. What I do recommend is that you investigate the alkaline non-cyanide strike baths that are commercially available. It has been my experience that these baths work extremely well and in most cases are excellent replacements for the cyanide bath. A number of different vendors can supply these proprietary baths. Look in the Products Finishing Directory and Technology Guide, 2003 edition, under Plating Processes, for vendor names.
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