Zinc Plating ???

[AirChunk]

What is the process called that will turn the steel gold in color as in the link here
http://www.racetech.com/EmailList/Ne...ews-070627.htm

Is it very expensive to do ?

[Geof]

Originally Posted by AirChunk What is the process called that will turn the steel gold in color as in the link here http://www.racetech.com/EmailList/Ne...ews-070627.htm Is it very expensive to do ?

Depends on your definition of expensive. When we get parts zinc plated with that finish I think it costs about $140 for something 10 lbs of little pieces; this might be several hundred parts so each one is only a few cents. Of course, if we send in 1 piece it costs $140 which probably qualifies as expensive for a piece of steel 5/8" dia, and 0.45" long.

When we want this finidh we just request "electo-zinc bronze finish". This is an area where you shouldn't believe photographs; our stuff looks great in photographs under the correct lighting but in real life it is quite a bit duller.

[AirChunk]

Ahh, Ok , so it is zinc. Thanks.

does it matter if the steel is a cold roled version ?

[Geof]

Originally Posted by AirChunk Ahh, Ok , so it is zinc. Thanks. does it matter if the steel is a cold roled version ?

No, our parts are leaded steel, cold rolled is okay, hot rolled is okay, just about any plain carbon steel is okay, but you have to start getting cautious with alloy steels. Of course when you get to stainless steels it is not okay but then it is also pointless. Where you need to be careful is if you have something like 4140 or 4340 ort similar high strength alloys you need to ask for baking. Zinc plating high strength alloys can lead to a thing called 'hydrogen embrittlement', Here are a couple of links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_embrittlement

http://www.mechanicalplating.com/hydrogen.htm


Google 'hydrogen embrittlement' if you want more information. With low carbon steel like cold rolled you do not need to worry.

[AirChunk]

Thanks, You have been a big help !!!