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PLATING AND ANODIZING: BARREL PLATING

BARREL PLATING

ESSENTIALS

Barrel-plated parts with zinc coating.

arrel plating is not one of the processes that results in high- scrapping of multiple components in higher volume applications.
precision finishes. It is the form of electroplating that Palm Technology takes a modular approach to its barrel plating
Bproduces large volumes, usually of smaller parts, turning lines. This, the company says, minimizes installation time, provides
them out fast and economically. the customer with process flexibility and allows for the line to be
A trick in the procedure lies in the bipolar contact between easily expanded.
individual pieces in the barrel, which is usually a rotating cage in “We use corrosion-resistant materials to fabricate tanks for
which the first step in treatment happens, prior to the barrel’s applications as diverse as laboratory etch lines up to large tanks
immersion in a trough-like plating bath. This high contact level for aerospace anodizing lines,” Palm states. “We have the capability
improves plating efficiency, although the extensive contact between to build a single tank or an entire process line.”
the pieces also makes the finish less regular than happens with The company fabricates its Simona-brand tanks from polypropy-
more demanding plating methods. lene, PVC, CPVC, PVDF, Kynar, carbon, and stainless steel. It can roll
Danglers or center bars inside the barrel maintain electrical polypropylene 1/8-in. thick at 16-in. diameter, up to 1-1/4 in. thick at
contact throughout the process. It is excellent for many applications, 13-ft diameter.
but not appropriate for when finished part specifications are “Our tanks have customized guarding to prevent damage to
demandingly precise. sensors, heaters and heat exchangers,” the company says. “Our tanks
The basic technology goes back as far as the late 1800s, so there is are spark tested at 20,000 volts and water tested to ensure even
nothing new about the concept. However, its ease of use in the major- expansion and that they are defect-free before they leave our facility.”
ity of plating applications means it is probably the most widely used Progalvano offers an extensive range of barrels and tanks. Its
electroplating method around the world today. ROTOR standard series has been continuously developed over
A key factor to avoid is product entrapment, which can lead to nearly 50 years.
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