Intended Audience
This training program is designed for line operators and maintenance personnel. It is written and provided in a nontechnical fashion and assumes no formal math or technical knowledge. The training program consists of 8 lessons on the following subjects:
1. Introduction
Students are provided with a basic understanding of chemical, electrical and electrochemical principles.
2. Types of parts plated
Why certain metals/parts require special attention and processing is the main focus of this lesson. Also covered are commonly encountered plating problems posed by parts made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, zinc and copper/copper alloys.
3. Plating equipment
Students are provided with the equipment that makes up a plating line and individual plating tanks and its function. The importance of the proper utilization and maintenance of each of the following equipment is detailed:
- Types of plating lines
- Plating tanks
- Anodes
- Rectifiers and electrical connections
- Heating and cooling
- Filtration and agitation
- Air Handling/exhaust
4. Rack and barrel plating
The basic construction of a plating rack and the importance of each feature is a focus of this lesson. The importance of proper racking methods and care/ maintenance of plating racks are also covered. Why shields and robbers may be employed is another focus of this lesson.
The basic construction of a plating barrel and the importance of proper barrel loading, care and maintenance of barrels are discussed.
5. Preparing parts for plating
This lesson provides a basic understanding of primary methods employed to prepare parts for plating. Included in this lesson are soak cleaning, electrocleaning, acid pickling, etching and descaling. Why these operations are critical to the quality of the plated parts is the main focus of this lesson.
6. Common plating processes
Students are provided with operational information on specific plating processes that are commonly employed, including zinc, zinc alloy, decorative nickel, functional nickel, decorative chromium, hard chromium, copper and silver plating.
7. Common plating defects and causes
This lesson focuses on the causes, effects and prevention of contamination of the plating solutions covered in lesson 7.
8. Plating Calculations
This lesson aims at teaching basic math skills that will allow students to understand the concepts of current density and the relationships between current density, plating time and plating quality.
9. Stripping
This lesson focuses upon best operating practices when conducting stripping operations.
Course Options
- Web-Based Course
Six 2-hour Sessions:
September 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21
