Zincate (For Chroming Aluminium)

You Can not Plate Aluminium Without Zincate Pre-Treatment For Aluminium

Using CASWELL Zincate Solution, aluminium can be pre-treated, and then plated in one of our plating kits. The problem is that aluminium forms an oxide layer the minute it is exposed to air. This presents a problem when plating aluminium, as the oxide layer prevents the plate from sticking. By using the Zincate process as a pre-plate dip, we chemically remove the oxide layer and at the same time, apply a layer of zinc. The zinc protects the aluminium until it is ready to be plated. As the part is lowered into the plating tank, the zinc is etched away by the plating solution and plating proceeds onto a clinically clean surface.

The process:

1. Thoroughly degrease the part in either CASWELL SP Degreaser or a detergent based cleaner. 
2. Bead blast the part to remove all heavy oxides and contaminants (optional)
3. Buff & polish the part to the required shine. 
4. Thoroughly degrease the part in either CASWELL SP Degreaser or a detergent based cleaner. 
5. Make up the zincate solution by adding 1 litre of concentrate to 3 litres of distilled water. 
6. Heat the solution to 75°F. Immerse the solution for 15 sec. to 2 minutes. Immersion time will depend on the alloy, zincate condition and temperature. 
7. If the alloy reacts violently with the solution, then shorten the time immersed. If no reaction is visible, then immersion times can be extended.

A uniform grey appearance is usually a sign of a properly zincated surface, however there are cases where a dark, slightly streaked surface is acceptable. As the zincate solution is depleted, there will be a noticeable increase in the gassing. You can replenish the solution by adding about 10% of the Zincate Concentrate, or simply make up a new batch.

Rinse the part and prepare for plating. You can plate a zincated part directly with Nickel, but this will eventually contaminate the nickel bath with zinc. We recommend plating first with Flash Copper, then Nickel.

SHIPPING INFORMATION

Please note that our shipping prices are a higher than it would cost to send a normal parcel via the post, the reason for this is because any product that contains chemicals must be sent and packed as per the "hazardous goods" regulations, and be transported by a carrier that is licensed to be able to transport. we are unable to send by regular post as it is now a criminal offence to send undeclared hazardous goods.