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Rack plating is a
process used for large,
complex, or
fragile parts. It is
excellent for producing
selective deposits. In
this procedure, parts
are hung on a "rack"
that is then submersed
in the plating solution.
Metal hooks or bands
are used to hold the
parts in place as well
as provide the necessary
electrical contact.
Because it is labor
intensive, rack plating
usually costs more than
barrel plating.
Please keep in mind that
the rack may produce an
area that is discolored
or bare where the part
was hung. This is
commonly referred to as
a “rack mark” and should
be taken into
consideration when
engineering the part.
It is also very
difficult to achieve
uniform plating with
this method due to the
varying degrees of
current densities across
the surface of the rack.
High degrees of
uniformity require the
use of auxiliary anodes
or robbers which
increases the complexity
of the plating as well
as the cost.
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