PAINT & PLATING STRIPPERS

The stripping of a plated deposit is necessary when the plated part has an unacceptable defect. These defects can be any one of or a combination of the following;

1.    Appearance – lack of deposit uniformity or discoloration
2.    Insufficient Thickness
3.    Poor Coverage
4.    Roughness
5.    Lack of Adhesion

You must first determine whether it is economically feasible to strip the part and re-plate. In some cases, it is more economical to scrap the rejected part and start over.

The most common metallic strippers available on the market today, are either electrochemical (anodic) or immersion (chemical).

Anodic strippers require special equipment, i.e. racks, DC rectifier, and cathodes. Once the part is placed into the strip solution, DC current is applied to the part in order to accelerate the removal of the metallic deposit. Negatively charged cathodes in the strip solution will build-up with metallics, and must be removed at some point either to be replaced, or cleaned prior to re-use. Care must be taken to monitor the stripping process so that complex part geometries will not experience etching.

Chemical strippers require less equipment and are easier to use than anodic formulations. No special equipment is required. Parts can be stripped in bulk with either work or solution agitation.

When choosing a stripping solution, it is imperative that you keep in mind the following;

1.    Substrate Material
2.    Substrate Condition – Prior to Electroplating
3.    The Deposit to be Stripped
4.    Equipment and Resources Available

With this information, you can choose the correct stripping solution for the application.

METALLIC STRIPPERS