Copyright © 2005 SIFCO Industries, Inc. Visual Keys For Successful Base Material Preparation

Copyright © 2005SIFCO Industries, Inc.

Visual KeysVisual Keys

For Successful For Successful

Base Material PreparationBase Material Preparation


Base Material Identification

Obtaining good adhesion of a SIFCO Process deposit begins with proper identification of the surface being plated on.



Occasionally, the operator is misinformed as to the identity of the base material or is not informed or aware that a coating is present on the surface. This can lead to adhesion problems.



An alert operator, by carefully watching the etching operation, will frequently detect incorrect identifications or the presence of coatings.



This table lists some tests that may be used to verify the identity of the base material.


PreparationPreparation

A SIFCO Process preparatory cycle consists of a number of operations, each one performing a specific function. The number and types of operations, and the solutions used, depend on the base material and not the plating solution to be used later. Each operation should be carried out properly to ensure obtaining maximum adhesion.



The operations are properly carried out when:• The proper solutions are used in the proper sequence.• The solutions are used in the proper direction of current

flow, i.e. forward current or reverse current.• The operations follow each other as rapidly as possible

and with the surface not being allowed to dry between operations.

• The desired results are obtained in each operation.



• The visual tests are important and the operator should pay particular attention to them.


ElectrocleaningElectrocleaning

• Usually performed first • Removes the last traces of dirt, oil, and grease• Removes the light oxide films on some metals

such as copper.• Usually done in forward polarity


EtchingEtching

• Performed in reverse polarity • Removes oxides, corrosion products and

smeared and contaminated surface material


DesmuttingDesmutting

• Follows the etch on some base materials • Removes loose layer of insoluble material on the

surface.• Done in reverse polarity


ActivatingActivating

• Removes passive oxide film• No visual key (except for chrome)• Done in forward polarity• Temporary state


The RinseThe Rinse

In most cases, a thorough water rinse should follow each preparatory step. One of the most critical is the rinse after the electrocleaning operation. If water “breaks” on the surface, either the electrocleaning time was too short or the voltage was too low, and the operation should be repeated.


Water BreakWater Break

A good description of a “water break” is when a water film breaks into beads such as on a waxed car. If this occurs, the surface is not clean! Water Break

Nice Clean Surface


Visual KeysVisual Keys

The following series of slides shows what the operator should look for in each of the preparatory operations.

Things to consider:• Appearance of the base material before the operation.• Appearance of the base material after the operation. • Appearance of the cover and the solution in the cover

after the operation.


Carbon SteelCarbon Steel



After

Before



After

Before


300 Stainless300 Stainless



AfterBefore





After

Before



After

Before


MonelMonel


MonelMonel


MonelMonel


CopperCopper


CopperCopper


ChromeChrome


ChromeChrome


ChromeChrome


SummarySummary

• Successful adhesion hinges on correctly Successful adhesion hinges on correctly identifying the base material and performing the identifying the base material and performing the correct preparatory operations for that material correct preparatory operations for that material in the right sequence and ensuring that the in the right sequence and ensuring that the visual keys are observed for each stepvisual keys are observed for each step


SummarySummary

Need Help?Need Help?• SIFCO Process Instruction ManualSIFCO Process Instruction Manual• SIFCO Technical SupportSIFCO Technical Support

[email protected]@sifcoasc.com

1-216-524-00991-216-524-0099

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

Copyright © 2005 SIFCO Industries, Inc. Visual Keys For Successful Base Material Preparation