aluminum

[rickcopeland]

When plating aluminum with nickel, what would cause the part to bubble in some spots?
These are small bubbles and not every where on the part just in some areas. Is it because the part isnt clean enough in those areas? Aside from the part not being clean enough what if any are the other possible causes?

[mcaswell]

Re: aluminum

A common cause is that small air bubbles attach themselves to the part, then get plated over.

To solve this, use an airstone under the part and flood it with larger air bubbles. The large bubbles will remove the small bubbles.

[rickcopeland]

Re: aluminum

Should the air stone be on the bottom of the tank or just hanging on the side?

[rickcopeland]

Re: aluminum

Also, what size air stone do you recommend for a 5 gallon tank? Same size for Copper,nickel and chrome?

[mcaswell]

Re: aluminum

It doesn't matter where it is placed, as long as it is immersing the part in bubbles.

The size of the stone should ensure that the part is immersed in bubbles.