Scope of this guide
Management version: this defect as cost and risk — the metrics, audit points and claim defence.
This series answers a top recurring question from finishing forums with platingclub line practice. Parameters are industry-standard starting ranges — confirm against your supplier TDS.
Triage: symptom → confirm → first move
| Symptom | Likely root | Confirm by | First move |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milky haze, wipes off | Rinse contamination / bath oil | White wipe cloth test | Skim + check rinse overflow |
| Gray haze, will not wipe | Low bath temperature or CrO3 drift | Thermometer + Ba titration | Hold 50–60 °C; correct ratio 100:1 |
| Haze in recesses only | Throwing power limit | Position map of parts | Aux anode or reduce load width |
| Iridescent yellow-blue | Catalyst ratio off ( sulfate ) | Hull cell panel | Adjust sulfate 0.8–1.2% of CrO3 |
| Haze after nickel, not on nickel | Nickel passivated before chrome | Timing check transfer | Cut transfer time; re-activate |
Cost, metrics and defence
| Cost line | Driver | Metric | Lever |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replate hours | Haze discovered at pack | FPY by defect family | Transfer-time discipline |
| Chemical drift | Untitrated bath | Titration log compliance | Daily ratio check, one owner |
| Energy | Cold bath compensation by CD | kWh + temp correlation | Chiller/heat interlock |
| Claims | Haze after storage | Storage-test samples per batch | Ship gate on FPY |
Engineer notes
- One variable per corrective action; verify by the confirm-by column.
- Records beat memory: log every trial on the tank card.
- Escalate when two consecutive actions fail — that is a senior call.
Safety: chromic acid mist is a carcinogen and burns skin. Mist suppressants, local exhaust and face shield are mandatory; report any chrome burn to first aid immediately.
FAQ
Where does haze cost us most?
Replating found at packing: it doubles handling on finished goods. Transfer-time discipline is free.
Which audit catches it early?
Random timing measurement of nickel-to-chrome transfer, plus titration log completeness.
What belongs in a haze claim file?
Batch id, transfer log, bath titration, storage test photos. Records settle disputes.