Selective Plating — Part 1: metal put‐on tool for aircraft maintenance

BIGNESS presents its own problems, as those engaged in overhauling Boeing 747 aircraft have already discovered. Take as an example, the problem of overhaul cadmium plating the wing outer cylinder on the main landing gear. This component is nearly 10 ft long and approximately 5 ft across, with a surface of approximately 100 square feet requiring electroplating. It was originally plated in a tank 5 ft by 6 ft by 12 ft deep, containing over 2500 gallons of solution. A tank of this capacity holds over $5000 worth of cadmium solution and nearly $15 000 worth of anodes. It requires a power supply of at least 7500 amperes. Total cost of such an installation, including cleaning and rinsing tanks, aproximates $50,000. Is any company willing to invest $50 000 in a new plating line required only to refinish one or two wing outer cylinders per month? Or, are they prepared to pack up large, cumbersome components, ship over long distances for outside plating, and wait impatiently for their return?