Plating set-up
Dave PM’d me asking about my plating set-up. Rather than PM back I’ll post it here in case it can benefit others. Hope Pelican doesn’t pull it down as it will link vendors but no products that Pelican sells and I believe this adds to the community.
First off Caswell.
Zinc Plating Solution.
https://www.caswellplating.com/copy-cadr-zinc-concentrate-1-5-gal.html
Brightener.
https://www.caswellplating.com/copy-cadr-zinc-brightener-4-oz.html
Yellow Chromate.
https://www.caswellplating.com/yellow-chromate.html
Black Chromate.
https://www.caswellplating.com/black-chromate-concentrate-8oz-makes-1-gal.html
Blue Chromate (really it’s clear, you’ll need two of these as it doesn’t make much)
https://www.caswellplating.com/blue-chromate-8oz-makes-1-quart.html
Power Supply.
I use a 30VDC 5A power supply with both voltage and current limiting features.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07H95N4CT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Zinc Plates.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00LSJ4SQ4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Copper wire to hang parts.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000IJU1ZW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also use 1/4 inch copper pipe available from H-D or other to hang parts across the bins. It’s commonly known as refrigerator water pipe sold in a roll. Cut to length and flatten the ends so it doesn’t roll on the edge of the bin.
Bins are from Ikea, I like these as they are cheap and have a secure gasketed lid so when I’m done I can stack and store on shelves. The zinc solution one is 12litres, all others for Chromate and rinse are 6l. The markings on my bins are in litres, mark them to your preference. Nice thing about Caswell is it’s readily available in both U.S. and Canada, I’m a Canuck in case you haven’t guessed.
One of IKEA’s bins.
https://m2.ikea.com/us/en/p/ikea-365-food-container-with-lid-rectangular-plastic-s59276822/
If you run at room temp, you don’t need heaters. Also I had bought a pump but found it unnecessary and don’t use it anymore. What I do find quite necessary is once you hang the parts, never touch them. Move from bath to bath with the copper wire and hang. I find you do need to blow a fan on them for 30 min or so to blow off the water droplets. Let dry for 24hrs before touching them.
Here’s my process:
-Tumble or blast parts.
-Dip in acid solution for a few minutes (I use POR15 Metal Prep)
-Rinse in distilled water.
-Zinc plate, 20 minutes or so. I don’t calculate area, I simply turn the current on my power supply to max and voltage to zero. Dip part, turn up voltage until part slightly bubbles and back off a bit. If memory is right I’m always below 1 volt.
-Rinse in distilled water.
-Dip in Chromate of chosen colour, 30 seconds or so based on desired finish.
-Rinse gingerly in distilled water.
-Hang in front of fan for 30 minutes or so, turn off fan and let dry 24hrs.
This is all based on my experience and what has worked for me. Many use other tried and proven recipes. Hopes this helps those wanting to do this.