HARD CHROME PLATING PROCESS CRODA NF-T
HARD CHROME PLATING PROCESS CRODA NF-T
HARD CHROME PLATING PROCESS CRODA NF-T
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<strong>HARD</strong> <strong>CHROME</strong> <strong>PLATING</strong> <strong>PROCESS</strong> <strong>CRODA</strong> <strong>NF</strong>-T<br />
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES: <strong>CRODA</strong> <strong>NF</strong>-T: Red powder<br />
DESCRIPTION:<br />
<strong>CRODA</strong> <strong>NF</strong>-T is a fluoride-free high efficiency and performance non corrosive hard<br />
chrome process, with a current efficiency of appr. 25%.<br />
It is used to substitute traditional hard-chrome plating processes.<br />
<strong>CRODA</strong> <strong>NF</strong>-T can be used in all installations which are usually used for traditional<br />
sulphuric based chrome baths.<br />
Due to its high current efficiency the production costs are proportionally 30% below<br />
traditional chrome baths.<br />
ADVANTAGES:<br />
1. High plating efficiency. (1 micron/min. at 60A/dm²)<br />
2. Free of fluorides and non corrosive.<br />
3. Micro cracked deposits, reaching 1.000 cracks cm/line.<br />
4. Bright, levelled and hard deposits. (1.000 - 1.500 HV)<br />
5. Possibility of chrome multi-coat, for example chromium without micro cracks with<br />
a excellent corrosion resistance.<br />
6. Good metal distribution.<br />
7. Easy control and maintenance.<br />
EQUIPMENT:<br />
Tanks:<br />
Steel tanks with chromic acid resistant coating. PVC or PTFT.<br />
Heating:<br />
Teflon or Teflon - electric heater.<br />
Anodes:<br />
Lead - Tin anodes ( 93% Pb - 7% Sn )<br />
Anode - Cathode Ratio:<br />
minimum 2 : 1<br />
V. Kunz Rev 1.1 25.09.2002 1/3
MAKE-UP OF 100 L:<br />
Chromic acid 25 kg<br />
Sulphuric acid 96 % 0,2 - 0,4 kg<br />
(depending on quality of Chromic acid)<br />
<strong>CRODA</strong> <strong>NF</strong>-T 1,5 kg<br />
Half fill the tank with clean warm water (40 - 50° C) then add the chromic acid slowly<br />
and carefully, stirring well. When the chromic acid has been completely dissolved,<br />
water, sulphuric acid and <strong>CRODA</strong> <strong>NF</strong>-T should be added to make up the solution to<br />
working level and correct density. Stir thoroughly, to ensure that it is mixed well.<br />
WORKING CONDITIONS:<br />
MAINTENANCE:<br />
Cathode current density 20 - 90 A/dm²<br />
Anode current density 15 - 25 A/dm²<br />
Voltage 9 - 18 V<br />
Specific Gravity (15° C) 21° Be<br />
Temperature 55 - 60° C<br />
15 g <strong>CRODA</strong> <strong>NF</strong> - T per 1 kg Chromic acid<br />
Controls may be done by checking the specific gravity of the bath and the sulphate<br />
content. Nevertheless it’s recommended to do complete analysis periodically in order<br />
to assure its good performance.<br />
Analysis methods are available.<br />
If sulphate content is too low, sulphuric acid may be added in proportions of 10 ml/<br />
100 litres of bath solution. If sulphate content is too high, barium carbonate can be<br />
added to the chrome solution with the proportion of 15 g/100 litres to reduce sulphates<br />
in 0,075 g/l. Content of 3-valent Chrome is admitted until 3 g/l.<br />
GENERAL I<strong>NF</strong>ORMATION:<br />
By running the bath the anodes are normally covered by a dark brown, chocolate<br />
coloured film. Anodes should be worked at 0.8 to 1 ampere per cm of anode length for<br />
10 minutes to ensure the formation of the correct anode film. The surface of the<br />
anodes should not be allowed to become covered with a thick hard scale. The anodes<br />
should be regularly cleaned, the frequency depending on the rate of formation of scale.<br />
The optimum results will be achieved by running a anode current density of minimum<br />
20 A/dm².<br />
V. Kunz Rev 1.1 25.09.2002 2/3
CONTAMINANTS:<br />
Impurities which affect all hard chromium plating solutions will also effect the<br />
<strong>CRODA</strong> <strong>NF</strong>-T process. The common ones, like iron and trivalent chrome, will always<br />
reduce the conductivity, and where thick deposits are being plated may contribute to<br />
roughness.<br />
Cationic impurities may be removed by the usual methods of cationic exchange resins<br />
or electro-dialysis with membranes.<br />
ETCHING OF STEEL PARTS:<br />
The etching solution is made to the same formula as the chrome solution and should be<br />
contained in a separate tank. In this operation the positive cable is connected to the<br />
work rod. The etch should be used at the same temperature as the plating solution and<br />
at a current density of 25 - 40 A/dm² for 1 minute. Long etching should be avoided.<br />
Cast iron should not be etched, but should be degreased and struck at full plating<br />
voltage in the plating tank. Components which have not been etched should be<br />
immersed in the plating solution and the current applied only after they have attained<br />
the temperature of the bath. To prevent excessive build up of iron in the solution,<br />
articles should, preferable, be etched in a separate tank.<br />
CHROMIUM <strong>PLATING</strong>:<br />
The articles should be removed from the etching tank and immediately hung in the<br />
chrome depositing solution with the current already switched on. They should gas<br />
vigorously and the current be maintained according to the surface area of the articles.<br />
The articles may be inspected during deposition but must be swilled in warm drag-out<br />
solution at 55° C, not cold water, before replacing in the plating tank. Following a<br />
lengthy withdrawal of the work it must be reverse etched in the chromium plating bath<br />
for about 10 sec before deposition is resumed. After removing the articles from the<br />
chrome bath they are rinsed in the drag out tank, where they receive a first swill,<br />
followed by running cold water rinses and finally used a hot water rinse. The solution<br />
in the drag out tank can be used to compensate the evaporation losses.<br />
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: see Material Safety Data Sheet.<br />
GUARANTEE:<br />
Above instructions and recommendations are the result of intensive testing and shop<br />
experiences. They are for your information, only.<br />
Our guarantee extends to the continuous quality of our products as they leave our<br />
factory and not to their usage in the field, which is a factor beyond the control of a<br />
supplier.<br />
V. Kunz Rev 1.1 25.09.2002 3/3