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Identifying the origin of a plating deficiency is the first step toward solving the problem. The source of poor plating can be divided into three categories: 1) Defective bath chemistry; 2) Improper temperature and/or current density; and 3) Poorly finished and/or cleaned substrates. An experienced plater can often identify the source of a problem without having to do much detective work; however, chemical analysis, Hull cell tests and reliable supplier recommendations are the best troubleshooting sources. The most common defects for hexavalent chromium plating deposits are listed here, along with some suggested solutions.
Despite the simplicity of their formulations, chromium plating baths are more complicated to operate than most plating baths and require more rigorous controls.
TROUBLESHOOTING HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM PLATING | |||||||||||||||||
Problem |
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Milky Deposit |
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Hazy Deposit |
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Gray, Dull but Smooth Deposit |
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Dull Spots in High-Current Density Areas |
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Blue Deposits |
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Rough Deposits |
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Burned Deposits |
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Brown Spots or Rainbows |
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Poor Adhesion |
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Poor Coverage |
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Slow Deposition Rates |
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Partial Deposition Rates |
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No Deposit |
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Pitted Deposits |
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