FAA Advisory Circular 43.13-1B
Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices
Aircraft Inspection and Repair
AC 43.13-1B | 4. Metal Structure, Welding, and Brazing | 4. Metal Repair Procedures | 4-62. Selective Plating in Aircraft Maintenance
9/8/98
AC 43.13-1B
ability. Acid solutions are to be used for rapid
buildup and as a laminating structure material
in conjunction with alkaline-type solutions.
(2) Chrome brush-plating solutions do
not yield as hard a deposit as bath-plating so
lutions. The hardness is about 600 Brinell as
compared to 1,000 Brinell for hard chrome de
posited from a tank.
(3) Silver-immersion deposits will form
with no current flowing on most base metals
from the silver brush-plating solutions. Such
deposits have poor adhesion to the base metal.
Consequently, a flash of a more noble metal
should be deposited prior to silver plating to
develop a good bond.
(4) In general, brush plating gives less
hydrogen embrittlement and a lower fatigue
strength loss than does equivalent tank depos
its. However, all brush-plated, ultrahigh
strength steel parts (heat treated above
180,000 psi) should be baked, as mentioned,
unless it is specifically known that embrittle
ment is not a factor.
r. Qualification Tests. All brush-plated
surfaces should be tested for adhesion of the
electrodeposit. Apply a 1-inch wide strip of
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing tape
code 250, or an approved equal, with the adhe
sive side to the freshly plated surface. Apply
the tape with heavy hand pressure and remove
it with one quick motion perpendicular to the
plated surface. Any plating adhering to the
tape should be cause for rejection.
s. Personnel Training for Quality Con
trol. Manufacturers of selective-plating
equipment provide training in application
techniques at their facilities. Personnel per
forming selective plating must have adequate
knowledge of the methods, techniques, and
practices involved. These personnel should be
certified as qualified operators by the manu
facturers of the products used.
4-63.4-73. [RESERVED.]
Par 4-62
Page 4-51 (and 4-52)