Dechroming by electolysis

[@jamesgrimmer3366]

Well, your video is still a interesting topic. I have never done this before but will trying it on a bunch of 3 wheeler parts. I have no clue what the chromed metals are so I will be watching the integrity of the metals. I am using a Zinc Cathode so I hope that will work just fine. I have heard that everything needs to be degreased before so it works better. I like your application and copying it completely (Including Cold Weather in MN). I am just using table salt without iodine and hot tap water. I have twice as much water because the parts are larger and awkward. so 4lbs of salt diluted now and I will add more when I add hot water just before I start. (Salt would be a total of roughly 5 lbs.) I am excited to do this outside and will be using 2 amps to start and if its slow I will kick it up to 10 amps. Using a simple battery charger.

[@andrewwhite3431]

So is this how I make Hexavalient Chromium

[@thepartsrunner5758]

Could I use brass brazing rod for an anode? trying to assemble all of my components... Power supply, solution, plastic tub, a heat plate with stirrer capabilities to keep solution agitated. The reason I am being so precise is because someone had chrome plated a carb. This carb is brass and comes off of a 1921 Harley-Davidson and it is imperative that I dissolve any and all chrome, especially in the fuel mixture jet holes. I really hope I can pull this off. Thanks again for your time, etc. Cheers - The Parts Runner ;-)

[@Yodiyst]

I did this but am having trouble with plating

[@lasvegascomicsocietygamere5311]

This would be a lot more helpful if you describe what you’re doing. What materials are needed, exact measurements, voltage, what is connected to where exactly.

[@yoratoni_depreciated]

Simple Sodium chloride (table salt), 60 grams per liter at about 12v, the minus on the piece where you want to remove chromium.

[@franksgarage8551]

Tercian is correct, unlike the video, although effective it was not the best way to do it.

[@Mark-tb3kw]

I just googled it and followed other folk's recommendations. Worked pretty good.

[@nkumarmits]

@@yoratoni_depreciated What's the other piece made of?

[@kartrikpal]

@@franksgarage8551 so what's the way?

[@thepartsrunner5758]

Lets say I have 100 faucets. If I go thru the process of de-chroming, it will eventually make a solution. If I store the chrome solution, can I later re-apply the saved chrome? Thank you. You guys are great. My power supply and beakers got here just today.

[@KosHMaraS.]

From personal experience and researches I would say - YES. But you MUST use chromium anode. It will push chromium ions towards cathode. And you MUST find appropriate voltage and current values based on chromium elektronegativity and size of item plated & etc. Which MUST be used bit lower to prevent decomposition of anode. If not mistaken usually it will be couple hundred miliamps and low voltage. Because high voltage breaking salt and you getting chlorine gas which is DEATH HAZARD. To big current making plating brittle and not faster plating process. But is good for deplating mettals if used with Graphite, Lead, Platinum anode elektrode. Same principle is for removing some other metals like Cu, Ag, Au, Ni from solutions. You using that metal anode (positive +) which wanna remove or plate. Afcourse plating times, quality and final results very depends on electrolitic solution used. Tip to remember about electrolysis: + Anode ADDing into solution towards - - Cathote CATCHing from solution ions or stripping anode elektrones (depleting it). You add what wanna catch. 😉

[@DeanMartin-q1s]

Is that just regular salt ?

[@quickbeam00]

It looks like it's worked well. Just a thought though -- the chromium ion that has gone into the solution might not be very safe (re: Erin Brockovich)

[@CalypsoDogs]

We actually didn't take chance with it and disposed of the residual solution in through hazardous waste.

[@quickbeam00]

@@CalypsoDogs At 4:43, the lady started handling it with her bare hands. I would have advised her using gloves.

[@thepartsrunner5758]

I have a brass carb that was chromed. I would like to use this process. what was the cathode material that was in the tank and what was the solution mixed with the salt? Thank you and best regards.

[@CalypsoDogs]

The cathode was bronze and the solution is distilled water with added salt.

[@rikkimaru7705]

What are you using for cathode? looks like just a chunk of copper? Just curios if carbide is usable.

[@infamousjoker7651]

Ive been looking for methods to remove chrome for awhile...i will give this a try...i heard u can then somehow make therminite off of chrome. Im not sure how. But ill give this ago

[@blainehebert575]

Hey could you tell me exactly what you are using to remove the chrome plating

[@agentx250]

Sounded like a salt water bath and a 10A current. 10A is actually fairly "fast" for electroplate work, rule of thumb for DIY is around 1A.

[@Tinker_Nerd]

Is there a chemical reaction occurring because of the salt, or is it just used as an electrolyte to make the water more conductive?

[@rhodesj1893]

Correct

[@BrokenBolts]

Is the cathode titanium?

[@CalypsoDogs]

It's bronze

[@BrokenBolts]

@@CalypsoDogs thank you for your response another question is what kinda metal was that piece you stripped? Looks a bit like cast or pot steel.

[@CalypsoDogs]

They are chromed bronze hinges. Once dechromed, they still needed some cleaning.

[@Leon6D]

Hi nice vid, I know this is 2 years ago video, what cathode metal did you use?

[@CalypsoDogs]

It's bronze

[@Leon6D]

@@CalypsoDogs thanks! but can I do copper bar though?

[@EssexSilvering]

What metal is the cathode?

[@Mark-tb3kw]

I don't think it matters as we aren't plating

[@franksgarage8551]

Would have gone faster if you use dc current and neg to piece you want to clean. A battery charger is less destructive to the metal.

[@Mark-tb3kw]

Lot's more control from our welding machine than a battery charger.

[@CalypsoDogs]

The anode (-) was the piece we were dechroming.

[@prashantchopde9020]

@@CalypsoDogs I thought anode is (+)

[@jeffbecker8716]

Are you using an arc welder for the power supply? What settings?

[@CalypsoDogs]

I can't recall exactly what settings. We just googled this and gave it a try. We started about as low as our welding machine could go.

[@jeffbecker8716]

@@CalypsoDogs @2:00 he says he's at the lowest setting of 10 amps. Would have to be on DC setting. I have never seen anyone use a welding machine for electrolysis. Usually folks use a battery charger. The idea of having my welding machine operating around water scares the Heck out of me.

[@Mark-tb3kw]

@@jeffbecker8716 Not much difference between the machine we were using and a battery charger. Sure a cheap welder with a high OCV would be a bit iffy. Keep in mind underwater welding happens all the time.

[@p0k7lm]

almost looks like Zinc removal🔧🔩

[@joerasulo8375]

5

[@jalanj2053]

No explanation lol

[@blainehebert575]

Hey could you tell me exactly what you are using to remove the chrome plating

[@rhodesj1893]

Electricity