Spectroscopic Analysis
 

My plating business has been growing and I have the opportunity to do all of the plating and anodizing for an RS. Porsche and it's suppliers used several plating techniques and materials over the years and I think the best way to determine the correct plating for a part is to send it out for spectroscopic analysis.

I found this on the web:

Optical emission spectroscopy using arc and spark excitation (Arc Spark OES) is the preferred method for trace metal analysis to determine the chemical composition of metallic samples.

Anyone in this business? Is this the right way to go?

Shaun,
We analyze down to the ppm of 20 different metals that would be found in lubricating oils. I may be able to help you with this. We have many different labs that do all sorts of testing.

The item you want tested could be analyzed non-destructively where only the surface would be analyzed or it would be digested in acid and run through an ICP to determine the metal content. Are you just interested in what metal and how much? or do you want to understand the various layers?

We use Mass Materials Research in West Boylston for all of our metallurgical testing needs. I am sure they could handle any of your requirements and they are not too far from you.

Thanks, I'll give them a call on Monday.

Shaun, likely the RS used hexavalent chromium in the conversion coating on the plating-- today for environmental reasons only trivalent is available and it looks different. So "tuning" the plating to match the original is the concours challenge. . .

Thank you John, appreciate that! One of my customer's requests is I get the MFI lines correct. He had them done and they are too bright. I'm also doing all the bright dip on the car.