Cyanide Zinc Plating 1

[pingmi]

Hi,

I need to know if there are any regulations / laws which restrict use of cyanide based zinc plated industrial products in USA and Europe. I searched but could not find any such regulations.
The products that we plan to plate include piping components like valves, connectors etc.

Thanks in advance.

 

[CoryPad]

No, the restrictions are on the conversion coating (if any) that is applied after the zinc plating. Typical conversion coatings are chromate-based, and hexavalent chromium is restricted in Europe.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[pingmi]

Thanks Cory for the confirmation. I have another question for you. Are there any methods to check the cyanide based zinc plating (thickness 10-30 microns) quality which could be implemented for routine inspection of plated components?

Thank you in advance.

 

[CoryPad]

Yes, you can do the following:

thickness measurement using magnetic induction gauge

thickness measurement and uniformity by metallographic examination with a microscope

adhesion testing using tape

corrosion testing - continuously run a test, adding one panel per day/shift/batch and removing one panel per day/shift/batch after it has been exposed for X duration (you decide that based on end use)

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.