Zincate- or Stannate–Free Plating of Aluminum and its Alloys

Abstract

For more than 80 years now the most generally accepted process for the preparation of aluminum and it alloys for plating has involved the use of a “zincate” or “stannate” processing solution. Environmental issues relative to the use of these processes are becoming more and more of a problem. The process itself is long and involved and will differ from one alloy to another. This article presents a much more environmentally acceptable alternative that is considerably easier to work with, gives far more consistent results and is more cost effective.