zinc cad plating
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: Jackson, MS USA
zinc cad plating
Did not want to hijack another thread. I also am thinking of buying a zinc cad plating system. I looked at the Caswell system, and it seems pretty nice. However, as stated in the other thread, Caswell is out of recitifiers. There are plenty over on ebay. However, how do I know what I need: constant voltage/constant current etc. Also what would be the difference in a plater listed for gold plating vs zinc vs cad if the power supply is the same re 5 amps or more. Last thing, how many amps would i need to do something like the light acutuators or the hood support.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Palm Bay Fl
MoneyPit,
I don’t have access to my Caswell manuals that I got with my system, I did however find in a copy cad review from their website, the following quotes.
1> Caswell recommends a 1.5-volt, 300 milliamp AC adapter (for nuts and bolts) or the 3-amp constant current rectifier (for brake boosters, carbs and brackets).
2> Don’t overdo the voltage, too much will leave your parts spattered with zinc, rather than a nice, smooth layer.
-------------------------------------------------
Additionally Caswell has a Rectifier Selection Tool that you can use on their website.
http://www.caswellplating.com/cdcalc.html
Here some specs on the caswell rectifiers:
http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/rect.htm
For just plating nuts and bolts you dont need an expensive rectifier, I would suggest going to the Caswell website forum and seeing what they have to say. Good luck
I don’t have access to my Caswell manuals that I got with my system, I did however find in a copy cad review from their website, the following quotes.
1> Caswell recommends a 1.5-volt, 300 milliamp AC adapter (for nuts and bolts) or the 3-amp constant current rectifier (for brake boosters, carbs and brackets).
2> Don’t overdo the voltage, too much will leave your parts spattered with zinc, rather than a nice, smooth layer.
-------------------------------------------------
Additionally Caswell has a Rectifier Selection Tool that you can use on their website.
http://www.caswellplating.com/cdcalc.html
Here some specs on the caswell rectifiers:
http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/rect.htm
For just plating nuts and bolts you dont need an expensive rectifier, I would suggest going to the Caswell website forum and seeing what they have to say. Good luck
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: Jackson, MS USA
Thanks for the reply. I think I should get between a 3 and 5 amp rectifier. I will call caswell today to see when the will have them back in stock. For what it would cost me to buy 3 actuators, I can have a system to coat/plate other things. Thanks again for the help.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: Jackson, MS USA
I talked to Caswell today. The tech (which was extremely helpful) provided me with more insight. I probably did not give him much to work with. However, I mentioned that I might do a part as big as a brake booster. I was estimating, and so was he, but he estimated that I would need a rectifier as big as a 25 amp model. Unfortunately I have access to only a 5 amp model. Can anyone weigh in on this? I have found some refurb models in the neighborhood of 250-400. Any help would be appreciated.
