Rhodium Plate and Blisters
Question: Our shop does rhodium plating and recently we have run into a problem when plating rhodium over small flat washer-like copper disks.
Share
Question:
Our shop does rhodium plating and recently we have run into a problem when plating rhodium over small flat washer-like copper disks. The parts are first cleaned and then gold-flashed with 8–10 microinches of gold. The rhodium is than applied over the gold flash. We apply 25–35 microinches of rhodium. The parts blister around the edges and many are streaked. What are we doing wrong? F. T.
Answer:
The streaks are probably the best clue to what is wrong here. I suspect that you do not have a heavy enough gold layer on the parts. I would increase the thickness of the gold flash. An alternative is to replace the gold flash with a heavier nickel strike.
Related Content
-
Switching from Hexavalent to Trivalent Chromium Plating
There are advantages and disadvantages of moving from hexavalent to trivalent baths. When considering this choice, gather the facts from this article in order to make a well-educated decision.
-
3 Tests to Ensure Parts are Clean Prior to Plating
Making sure that all of the pre-processing fluids are removed prior to plating is not as simple as it seems. Rich Held of Haviland Products outlines three tests that can help verify that your parts are clean.
-
Successful South African Plater Beating the Odds
Remaining focused on quality and reliability, Team Plating Works stays profitable in a volatile and challenging economy.
