PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTROPLATED SPRINGS.

A significant proportion of carbon steel springs are electroplated to confer corrosion protection and an attractive appearance, or other special properties such as good solderability. Over a period of several years, many SRAMA members have experienced rejections of electroplated springs due to poor quality of the plated deposit. This report presents the results obtained at SRAMA during a detailed examination of electroplated springs following a survey of members' electroplating problems. The survey indicated that rejections of electroplated springs occurred for five main reasons: 1. Blistered plate, often with poor adhesion 2. Pitted plate 3. Rough plate 4. Dull plate 5. Discolored plate, or plate of non-uniform appearance. The report is a practical record of some typical plating problems and the probable causes of and cures for these difficulties.