Procedure for test Billets

Billet A

  • Sand blast both sides with glass beads and wire brush one side
  • Degrease billet for 5 minutes at 190° F
  • Rinse and verify water break, if test fails replace degreaser
  • Dip in 5% Muriatic solution for 3 seconds
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Verify pH of plating solution is between 5.5 and 6 (down to 4.7 is ok, above 6.3 will precipitate zinc)
  • Plate billet in agitated 110° F solution for 25 minutes at current of 0.42 amps (0.5″ x 3″ x 2 sides * 0.14 amps/sq. in.)
  • Rinse
  • Dip in blue chromate for 30 seconds (note temperature of the bath)
  • Rinse
  • Dip in yellow chromate for 14 seconds at 80° F
  • Dry with compressed air


Billet B

  • As above but plate dummy billet for 30 minutes first


Billet C

  • As above but add new anodes


Billet D

  • As above but with new plating solution (without brightener)


Billet E

  • As above but with brightener


Billet F

  • As above but without blue chromate step