Page 42 - CFCM Mar-Apr 2021_Neat

PLATING AND ANODIZING: BARREL PLATING

“This range consists of over 150 models, configurable in either blocks, can be supplied for easy on-site installation, Eagle adds. It
single or twin barrel versions,” the company explains, “with also guarantees precise clearances to ensure smooth barrel rotation
on-board motors or external drive transmission, and a load capac- and plating quality.
ity of up to 500 kg.” To ensure efficient performance and longer operational life, the
An example is the Rotor 2000 which is designed to be versatile barrels employ a premium grade PE 1000 polyethylene, which allows
enough for use in both automatic and semi-automatic plants. This for the maximum perforated open area. This, the company explains,
type of rotating barrel, Progalvano says, delivers advanced perform- offers more efficient solution and electrolytic transfer, which means
ance for nickel plating and zinc plating. Its main difference from the faster processing time and power cost savings.
similar Export model is the cathodic contact on top of the tank, There is a one-piece wrap-around cylinder skin, avoiding joints
which uses traditional cylindrical copper contact pins rather than and potential chemical traps. Paneled construction is available
the company’s standard ‘bell’ contacts. where required for specific product types, and perforation
The non-dipped portion of the frame is of stainless steel AISI 304, chamfers and corrugation patterns help eliminate surface tension
coated with hepoxidic paint. and adhesion.
The dipped portion of the frame is stainless steel AISI 316 and poly- There are fully sealed high tensile 18.5 mm diameter steel rod
propylene. More than 30 different versions of the design are offered. reinforcement supports, with 25 mm available for heavy duty
There is a modular structure, and tank to barrel cathodic contact barrels. The heavy duty lid frame is reinforced with high tensile
(using a V block of the pin type). The design is fully customizable, and steel bars.
is available with an automatically opening door. Danglers, of course, are also a key component of a barrel plating
The company’s Rotor Export 2000 M barrel range is designed for line. Correctly defining the size and specifications of danglers is
use with heavy loads. These barrels are normally combined with critical in maintaining consistent finishes.
large-capacity cylinders. and are specific for phosphating processes, The Dangler Guys specializes in vulcanized danglers. Its Ultimate
electroless nickel plating, degreasing, and other applications where Dangler offers one-inch OD insulation, and 1.125-in. OD inside the
their greater carrying capacity increases productivity. barrel of the component. These, the company says, remain always
They can take loads of up to 500 kg, for peak temperatures up to flexible.
100 deg. C, and the modular structure is reinforced with welded Rubber-coated danglers feature a 0.88-in. OD EPDM jacket, the
ribbing on a stainless steel frame. The tank to barrel cathodic contact same 1.125 OD inside the barrel, and are, the company says,
is of the wedge-bell type. extremely durable. The covering in this case is PVC.
In addition to its standard range of barrels having on-board Newact Inc. has a fully vulcanized sleeve on its danglers, which is
motors, Progalvano has developed the same series with an external molded directly to the cable. This reinforces the cable jacket to resist
drive transmission as a rotating system. This line is mainly intended cuts and bends.
for markets such as North America, where the external drive trans- “This superior design substantially extends the life of the
mission is a standard barrel configuration. dangler,” Newact says, “reducing maintenance, virtually eliminating
JBC Surface Finishing Systems also offers a range of tanks for drag-out all of which lowers operating costs. The sleeve reduces
this area. Depending on user needs, it can produce tanks from the carry-over of chemicals from tank to tank often found in
polypropylene, stainless steel, mid steel (lined or unlined), fiberglass plastic sleeves.”
or titanium. It also produces drop-in flexible liners when applica- Most cable sizes from 4/0 to #8 are standard in the company’s
tions call for them. product range, and large gauges are available. Cables in Kevlar-
The company also specializes in pumps and filtration systems for reinforced rubber are also offered.
maintaining the system. Double crimped knobs give a positive electrical connection and
Eagle Engineering has designed its electroplating barrels to avoid added strength not found in soldered knobs. Two types of knobs are
plating errors due to product entrapment. available, standard and crimped-over.
“Our unique self-aligning system has bottom beams at a 30-deg. As with so many finishing processes, the basic technology of
incline for exact positioning,” the company says. “This ensures good barrel plating is simple, the devil being in the details. Carefully
contacts for the main power supply and motor which are self-clean- selecting components for the type of products being plated, using the
ing. It also minimizes any rocking of the unit whilst in use.” full range of supplier options, is the best way to ensure finish quality,
The barrels are designed so that the whole system, barrels and and a satisfied customer. n

As with so many finishing processes,

the basic technology of barrel plating is
simple, the devil being in the details.

42 CANADIAN FINISHING & COATINGS MANUFACTURING MARCH/APRIL 2021