US2799636A - Processing of separable fastener stringers - Google Patents
Processing of separable fastener stringers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US2799636A US2799636A US413960A US41396054A US2799636A US 2799636 A US2799636 A US 2799636A US 413960 A US413960 A US 413960A US 41396054 A US41396054 A US 41396054A US 2799636 A US2799636 A US 2799636A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- scoops
- metal
- solution
- stringer
- zinc
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 37
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 37
- XFXPMWWXUTWYJX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Cyanide Chemical compound N#[C-] XFXPMWWXUTWYJX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 16
- 238000007747 plating Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 14
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000009713 electroplating Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910000881 Cu alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910001297 Zn alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 47
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 10
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 8
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 8
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 description 6
- HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[Na+] HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 5
- KXZJHVJKXJLBKO-UHFFFAOYSA-N chembl1408157 Chemical compound N=1C2=CC=CC=C2C(C(=O)O)=CC=1C1=CC=C(O)C=C1 KXZJHVJKXJLBKO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 description 4
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 4
- KWYUFKZDYYNOTN-UHFFFAOYSA-M Potassium hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[K+] KWYUFKZDYYNOTN-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 3
- CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sodium Carbonate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]C([O-])=O CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 3
- 239000012670 alkaline solution Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000005868 electrolysis reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910052718 tin Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrochloric acid Chemical compound Cl VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Potassium Chemical compound [K] ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000003513 alkali Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 2
- DOBRDRYODQBAMW-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper(i) cyanide Chemical compound [Cu+].N#[C-] DOBRDRYODQBAMW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 2
- QYSCBQYSQWBJFX-UHFFFAOYSA-N disodium;zinc;tetracyanide Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[Zn+2].N#[C-].N#[C-].N#[C-].N#[C-] QYSCBQYSQWBJFX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 150000002825 nitriles Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 229910052700 potassium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011591 potassium Substances 0.000 description 2
- BWHMMNNQKKPAPP-UHFFFAOYSA-L potassium carbonate Chemical compound [K+].[K+].[O-]C([O-])=O BWHMMNNQKKPAPP-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 238000004080 punching Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000029 sodium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- TXUICONDJPYNPY-UHFFFAOYSA-N (1,10,13-trimethyl-3-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl) heptanoate Chemical compound C1CC2CC(=O)C=C(C)C2(C)C2C1C1CCC(OC(=O)CCCCCC)C1(C)CC2 TXUICONDJPYNPY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000906 Bronze Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-M Chloride anion Chemical compound [Cl-] VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 229910000531 Co alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000990 Ni alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910001128 Sn alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910021626 Tin(II) chloride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- CWVZGJORVTZXFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N [benzyl(dimethyl)silyl]methyl carbamate Chemical compound NC(=O)OC[Si](C)(C)CC1=CC=CC=C1 CWVZGJORVTZXFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ICAIHGOJRDCMHE-UHFFFAOYSA-O ammonium cyanide Chemical compound [NH4+].N#[C-] ICAIHGOJRDCMHE-UHFFFAOYSA-O 0.000 description 1
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- UNLSXXHOHZUADN-UHFFFAOYSA-N barium cyanide Chemical compound [Ba+2].N#[C-].N#[C-] UNLSXXHOHZUADN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010974 bronze Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052793 cadmium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- BDOSMKKIYDKNTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N cadmium atom Chemical compound [Cd] BDOSMKKIYDKNTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910017052 cobalt Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010941 cobalt Substances 0.000 description 1
- GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N cobalt atom Chemical compound [Co] GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000361 cobalt sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229940044175 cobalt sulfate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- KTVIXTQDYHMGHF-UHFFFAOYSA-L cobalt(2+) sulfate Chemical compound [Co+2].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O KTVIXTQDYHMGHF-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- KUNSUQLRTQLHQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper tin Chemical compound [Cu].[Sn] KUNSUQLRTQLHQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- TVZPLCNGKSPOJA-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper zinc Chemical compound [Cu].[Zn] TVZPLCNGKSPOJA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- XPPKVPWEQAFLFU-UHFFFAOYSA-J diphosphate(4-) Chemical compound [O-]P([O-])(=O)OP([O-])([O-])=O XPPKVPWEQAFLFU-UHFFFAOYSA-J 0.000 description 1
- 235000011180 diphosphates Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002659 electrodeposit Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005323 electroforming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229960002089 ferrous chloride Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000011790 ferrous sulphate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000003891 ferrous sulphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000004820 halides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000007654 immersion Methods 0.000 description 1
- BAUYGSIQEAFULO-UHFFFAOYSA-L iron(2+) sulfate (anhydrous) Chemical compound [Fe+2].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O BAUYGSIQEAFULO-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 229910000359 iron(II) sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010297 mechanical methods and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- LGQLOGILCSXPEA-UHFFFAOYSA-L nickel sulfate Chemical compound [Ni+2].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O LGQLOGILCSXPEA-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 229910000363 nickel(II) sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910000027 potassium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- NNFCIKHAZHQZJG-UHFFFAOYSA-N potassium cyanide Chemical compound [K+].N#[C-] NNFCIKHAZHQZJG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- IVDPWEKOUUEEBD-UHFFFAOYSA-N potassium;copper(1+);dicyanide Chemical compound [K+].[Cu+].N#[C-].N#[C-] IVDPWEKOUUEEBD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- PRHQIYUXRPSWQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N potassium;zinc;tricyanide Chemical compound [K+].[Zn+2].N#[C-].N#[C-].N#[C-] PRHQIYUXRPSWQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 sodium chloride Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000001488 sodium phosphate Substances 0.000 description 1
- HVTHJRMZXBWFNE-UHFFFAOYSA-J sodium zincate Chemical compound [OH-].[OH-].[OH-].[OH-].[Na+].[Na+].[Zn+2] HVTHJRMZXBWFNE-UHFFFAOYSA-J 0.000 description 1
- 229940071182 stannate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 125000005402 stannate group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000001119 stannous chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000011150 stannous chloride Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- WTNNIXSCSYFNFP-UHFFFAOYSA-N strontium;dicyanide Chemical compound [Sr+2].N#[C-].N#[C-] WTNNIXSCSYFNFP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RYFMWSXOAZQYPI-UHFFFAOYSA-K trisodium phosphate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[Na+].[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O RYFMWSXOAZQYPI-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 1
- 229910000406 trisodium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000019801 trisodium phosphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 1
- GTLDTDOJJJZVBW-UHFFFAOYSA-N zinc cyanide Chemical compound [Zn+2].N#[C-].N#[C-] GTLDTDOJJJZVBW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D7/00—Electroplating characterised by the article coated
- C25D7/02—Slide fasteners
Definitions
- This invention relates to the production of separable fastener stringers and more particularly to a method for finishing the stringers.
- Stringers produced from metal strip, wire, and the like by forming operations, in which the scoops are formed by stamping, punching, cutting, etc., are characterized by the presence of burrs and sharp edges and corners on the scoops.
- Various mechanical methods for removing the burrs and smoothening the scoops have been employed, the most usual method being the use of scratch brushes; however, the action of these brushes is not uniform due to wear of the brushes and variations in the stringers, and frequent adjusting is required.
- the stringers so finished are not uniform nor smooth to the touch;
- the invention it is proposed to remove the burrs and sharp edges and corners from the stringers by immersing them in an electrolyte in which the metal of the scoops is anodically decomposable, connecting the scoops as anode, and passing current to the scoops. It has been found that the metal constituting the burrs and sharp edges and corners is preferentially removed during the electrolysis; this action is unlike a straight-forward dissolving action in which metal is removed evenly from all parts of the scoops. Upon removal from the solution at the conclusion of the electrolysis, the scoops of the stringers are smooth and uniform, and the stringers are exceptionally free running when coupled together.
- the electrolyte is an alkaline solution of a cyanide or a pyrophosphate of a base-forming metal selected from groups Ia and Ila of the periodic table.
- a cyanide or a pyrophosphate of a base-forming metal selected from groups Ia and Ila of the periodic table.
- Commonly used metals for stringers are anodically decomposable in such solutions, these metals comprising copper, high copper alloys like copper-zinc and cooper-tin and including brass, nickel, silver, bronze, aluminum, etc.; also zinc, and high zinc alloys such as the Zilloy type containing one percent copper.
- Metals that tend to acquire a film in the electrolyte are particularly suitable because the presence of the film may favor the preferential removal of the burrs and sharp edges and corners.
- Cyanide solutions are preferred, and it is desirable that the concentration of the metal cyanide in the solution shall be sufiicient to provide at least about 0.1 oz./gal. of dissolved cyanide (CN); preferably the concentration is such as to provide 3 to 19 or 20 oz./gal., and may be such as to provide up to 34 oz./gal. but usually no additional advantage is gained by concentrations much higher than about 20 oz./gal.
- CN dissolved cyanide
- Preferred metal cyanides are potassium cyanide, sodium cyanide, ammonium cyanide, barium cyanide, strontium cyanide, calcium cyanide; also double cyanides like potassium cuprocyanide, potassium zinc cyanide, potassium cadmicyanide, and double salts like the foregoing but in which sodium replaces potassium.
- the method is carried out by immersing the stringer, either in separate or continuous lengths, joined or not to a companion stringer, in the solution, with the scoops connected as anode in a circuit comprising the solution, a cathode, and a source of direct current.
- a current density sufiicient to achieve the desired result Within a few minutes is employed and preferably ranges from 5 to 10 amperes per square foot (a. s. f.). Current densities as low as 0.1 a. s. f. are practical, requiring longer times; and on the other hand higher current densities, going up to a hundred or to one or two thousand a. s. f., can be used for shorter times.
- the solution temperature may range from room temperature to boiling, preferably from to F.
- the electrolysis is usually completed within a half hour, frequently requiring only 10 to 20 minutes. Removal of the burrs and sharp edges and corners may be controlled by regulating the concentration of dissolved cyanide in the solution, temperature, current, voltage, and time; increasing any one of these conditions ordinarily increases the rate of removal of metal, and vice versa.
- each length may be supported at its ends during immersion in the bath, one of the supports being a conductor and in contact with the endmost scoop while the other support may be in contact with only the tape portion of the stringer.
- Current is introduced to the scoops through the conductor support and the scoops themselves may be electrically connected in a conventional way, as by means of a metal foil, strip, rod, or wire coil.
- Continuous lengths of stringers, and also short lengths as well, may conveniently be treated by winding them about a metal-surfaced roll or drum and introducing current to the scoops through the metallic surface.
- An incident of the process is the cleaning action effected on some metals, such as the cooperand zinc-containing metals.
- the invention it is feasible, and often preferable, to carry out the invention at the time the stringers are plated.
- plating is usually done for decorative and/ or pro tective purposes.
- conventional plating solutions comprising alkaline cyanide metal electroplating solutions are used, and these constitute satisfactory electrolytes for removing burrs and sharp edges and corners according to the invention.
- the metal electrodeposited on the scoops is one of which the scoops are made, although it may be different; for example, copper or brass may be plated from cyanide solutions on scoops of zinc and high zinc' alloys, and nickel may be plated on scoops of iron or steel from a nickel plating solution.
- Zinc may be deposited on aluminum from a zinc containing solution.
- the invention may be practiced during the plating of the scoops by immersing the stringer or fastener in the solution and connecting it as anode in a circuit comprising the plating solution, a cathode, and a source of direct current.
- Current is passed through the solution and then its direction is intermittently reversed so that the scoops become cathode for a part of the time, then anode, then cathode, etc.
- the scoops may be anode for one minute, cathode for one minute, anode for one minute, etc.; or they may be anode for one minute, cathode for ten seconds, anode for one minute, etc.
- the exact times are variable and may be readily determined by the operator to suit his requirements.
- the procedure of alternately removing metal preferentially from the burrs and sharp edges and corners and plating the scoops may be carried out using pulsating current with the scoops anodic for at least one second at a time.
- the scoops are anode, metal is preferentially removed from them at the burrs and the sharp edges and corners, and when they are cathode,
- metal from the solution is deposited on the scoop surfaces. It has been found that metal is not deposited on the scoops in the same distribution as it is removed; in other words, the result of theprocedure is to remove the burrs, smoothen the edges and, corners, and coincidently to plate the scoops. Burr removal and smoothening is not the result .of merely depositing metal on the scoops to cover the imperfections or to build up unaffected portions of the scoops.
- the plating solution usually comprises an alkaline solution of sodium cuprocyanide; for zinc and high zinc .alloys, the plating solution may comprise sodium zinc cyanide, sodium zincate, sodium cyanide, and sodium hydroxide.
- the invention also contemplates the treatment of scoops not attached to a stringer tape since some fastener stringers are made by forming the scoops, singly or in groups, and then in a separate step applying them to a tape. Forming operations such as stamping, punching, cutting, etc. should, of course, be completed before the scoops are processed.
- the scoops may be treated in conventional electroplating solutions capable of producing an electro deposit on the scoops, preferably but not necessarily a deposit of a metal of which the scoops are composed.
- scoops of the various metals noted above may be treated as described to remove the burrs and sharp edges and corners.
- scoops of aluminum or high aluminum alloys may be treated in a zinc plating solution comprising sodium zinc cyanide; scoops of tin or high tin alloys may be treated in alkaline stannate or stannous chloride solutions; scoops of steel in conventional copper, brass, zinc, cadmium, tin, or nickel electroplating solutions; scoops of nickel and high nickel alloys in nickel sulfate solutions; scoops of cobalt and high cobalt alloys in cobalt sulfate solutions; iron scoops in ferrous sulfate or chloride solutions.
- alternate plating and removal of the burrs and sharp edges and corners may be carried out, as described.
- formed scoops that have not yet been applied to a tape may be treated in solutions in which the scoops are anodically decomposable, including conventional plating solutions as described, and other solutions like aqueous alkaline cyanide solutions of the kind noted, and aqueous alkaline solutions like aqueous sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or potassium hydroxide, etc.
- solutions in which the scoops are anodically decomposable including conventional plating solutions as described, and other solutions like aqueous alkaline cyanide solutions of the kind noted, and aqueous alkaline solutions like aqueous sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or potassium hydroxide, etc.
- alkali halides such as sodium chloride
- the a may be treated in a basket or plating barrel; or, particularly when groups of scoops are involved, each in the form of a longitudinal carrier comprising the re mainder of the strip from which the scoops were formed and having the scoops attached, may be treated in a manner similar to the treatment of the stringers.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Electroplating Methods And Accessories (AREA)
Description
United Stts PROCESSING OF SEPARABLE FASTENER STRINGERS N Drawing. Application March 3, 1954, Serial No. 413,960
2 Claims. (Cl. 204-143) This invention relates to the production of separable fastener stringers and more particularly to a method for finishing the stringers.
Stringers produced from metal strip, wire, and the like by forming operations, in which the scoops are formed by stamping, punching, cutting, etc., are characterized by the presence of burrs and sharp edges and corners on the scoops. Various mechanical methods for removing the burrs and smoothening the scoops have been employed, the most usual method being the use of scratch brushes; however, the action of these brushes is not uniform due to wear of the brushes and variations in the stringers, and frequent adjusting is required. The stringers so finished are not uniform nor smooth to the touch;
they have a tendency to catch on fabric and other articles,
and they do not operate freely when coupled and un coupled.
According to the invention it is proposed to remove the burrs and sharp edges and corners from the stringers by immersing them in an electrolyte in which the metal of the scoops is anodically decomposable, connecting the scoops as anode, and passing current to the scoops. It has been found that the metal constituting the burrs and sharp edges and corners is preferentially removed during the electrolysis; this action is unlike a straight-forward dissolving action in which metal is removed evenly from all parts of the scoops. Upon removal from the solution at the conclusion of the electrolysis, the scoops of the stringers are smooth and uniform, and the stringers are exceptionally free running when coupled together.
The electrolyte is an alkaline solution of a cyanide or a pyrophosphate of a base-forming metal selected from groups Ia and Ila of the periodic table. Commonly used metals for stringers are anodically decomposable in such solutions, these metals comprising copper, high copper alloys like copper-zinc and cooper-tin and including brass, nickel, silver, bronze, aluminum, etc.; also zinc, and high zinc alloys such as the Zilloy type containing one percent copper. Metals that tend to acquire a film in the electrolyte are particularly suitable because the presence of the film may favor the preferential removal of the burrs and sharp edges and corners. Cyanide solutions are preferred, and it is desirable that the concentration of the metal cyanide in the solution shall be sufiicient to provide at least about 0.1 oz./gal. of dissolved cyanide (CN); preferably the concentration is such as to provide 3 to 19 or 20 oz./gal., and may be such as to provide up to 34 oz./gal. but usually no additional advantage is gained by concentrations much higher than about 20 oz./gal. Preferred metal cyanides are potassium cyanide, sodium cyanide, ammonium cyanide, barium cyanide, strontium cyanide, calcium cyanide; also double cyanides like potassium cuprocyanide, potassium zinc cyanide, potassium cadmicyanide, and double salts like the foregoing but in which sodium replaces potassium.
The method is carried out by immersing the stringer, either in separate or continuous lengths, joined or not to a companion stringer, in the solution, with the scoops connected as anode in a circuit comprising the solution, a cathode, and a source of direct current. A current density sufiicient to achieve the desired result Within a few minutes is employed and preferably ranges from 5 to 10 amperes per square foot (a. s. f.). Current densities as low as 0.1 a. s. f. are practical, requiring longer times; and on the other hand higher current densities, going up to a hundred or to one or two thousand a. s. f., can be used for shorter times. They very high current densities can be employed for very short periods, particularly if small areas of metal are treated at a time. In this connection, filming conditions may be advantageous. The solution temperature may range from room temperature to boiling, preferably from to F. The electrolysis is usually completed within a half hour, frequently requiring only 10 to 20 minutes. Removal of the burrs and sharp edges and corners may be controlled by regulating the concentration of dissolved cyanide in the solution, temperature, current, voltage, and time; increasing any one of these conditions ordinarily increases the rate of removal of metal, and vice versa.
When short lengths of stringers are treated, each length may be supported at its ends during immersion in the bath, one of the supports being a conductor and in contact with the endmost scoop while the other support may be in contact with only the tape portion of the stringer. Current is introduced to the scoops through the conductor support and the scoops themselves may be electrically connected in a conventional way, as by means of a metal foil, strip, rod, or wire coil. Continuous lengths of stringers, and also short lengths as well, may conveniently be treated by winding them about a metal-surfaced roll or drum and introducing current to the scoops through the metallic surface. An incident of the process is the cleaning action effected on some metals, such as the cooperand zinc-containing metals.
It is feasible, and often preferable, to carry out the invention at the time the stringers are plated. As is known, plating is usually done for decorative and/ or pro tective purposes. For zincand copper-containing metals conventional plating solutions comprising alkaline cyanide metal electroplating solutions are used, and these constitute satisfactory electrolytes for removing burrs and sharp edges and corners according to the invention. Usually the metal electrodeposited on the scoops is one of which the scoops are made, although it may be different; for example, copper or brass may be plated from cyanide solutions on scoops of zinc and high zinc' alloys, and nickel may be plated on scoops of iron or steel from a nickel plating solution. Zinc may be deposited on aluminum from a zinc containing solution. In general, the invention may be practiced during the plating of the scoops by immersing the stringer or fastener in the solution and connecting it as anode in a circuit comprising the plating solution, a cathode, and a source of direct current. Current is passed through the solution and then its direction is intermittently reversed so that the scoops become cathode for a part of the time, then anode, then cathode, etc. For example, the scoops may be anode for one minute, cathode for one minute, anode for one minute, etc.; or they may be anode for one minute, cathode for ten seconds, anode for one minute, etc. The exact times are variable and may be readily determined by the operator to suit his requirements. If desired, the procedure of alternately removing metal preferentially from the burrs and sharp edges and corners and plating the scoops may be carried out using pulsating current with the scoops anodic for at least one second at a time. As will be understood, when the scoops are anode, metal is preferentially removed from them at the burrs and the sharp edges and corners, and when they are cathode,
metal from the solution is deposited on the scoop surfaces. It has been found that metal is not deposited on the scoops in the same distribution as it is removed; in other words, the result of theprocedure is to remove the burrs, smoothen the edges and, corners, and coincidently to plate the scoops. Burr removal and smoothening is not the result .of merely depositing metal on the scoops to cover the imperfections or to build up unaffected portions of the scoops.
Conventional electroplating solutions are available for metals commonly used for making stringers. F or copper and high copper alloys, the plating solution usually comprises an alkaline solution of sodium cuprocyanide; for zinc and high zinc .alloys, the plating solution may comprise sodium zinc cyanide, sodium zincate, sodium cyanide, and sodium hydroxide. These and other conven tional solutions are described in Principles of Electroplating and Electroforming, Blurn and Hogaboom, first edition, pages 200211, 271279, 291-313, 320326, McGraw-wll, 1924.
Example A continuous length of coupled stringers, comprising a fastener chain the scoops of which were made of brass, was treated as follows: The chain, supported between upper and lower rollers, was first moved through a tank containing an alkaline cleaning solution comprising 1.5 02/ gal. of trisodium phosphate and 2 oz./ gal. of sodium cyanide, then rinsed with cold water, passed through a tank containing approximately a aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid to neutralize the alkali, rinsed in cold water, and then passed into a tank containing a solution made up from 3 oz./ gal. of copper cyanide, 4.5 oz./ gal. of sodium cyanide, and 2 oz./ gal. of sodium carbonate. In this solution, maintained at 120 F., the scoops were made anode and a direct current of 275 amperes at 12 volts was passed to them. After 5 minutes, the fastener chain was removed from the solution and introduced into a tank containing a cyanide brass plating solution made up from 4 oz./gal. of copper cyanide, 0.72 oz./ gal. of zinc cyanide, and 7.4 oz./ gal. of sodium cyanide. With the solution at 110 F. and the scoops connected as cathode, a direct current of 275 amperes at 12 volts was passed to the solution for about 5 minutes, during which time the scoops were plated with brass.
While the treatment of stringers has been described, the invention also contemplates the treatment of scoops not attached to a stringer tape since some fastener stringers are made by forming the scoops, singly or in groups, and then in a separate step applying them to a tape. Forming operations such as stamping, punching, cutting, etc. should, of course, be completed before the scoops are processed. The scoops may be treated in conventional electroplating solutions capable of producing an electro deposit on the scoops, preferably but not necessarily a deposit of a metal of which the scoops are composed. Thus, scoops of the various metals noted above may be treated as described to remove the burrs and sharp edges and corners. Additionally, scoops of aluminum or high aluminum alloys may be treated in a zinc plating solution comprising sodium zinc cyanide; scoops of tin or high tin alloys may be treated in alkaline stannate or stannous chloride solutions; scoops of steel in conventional copper, brass, zinc, cadmium, tin, or nickel electroplating solutions; scoops of nickel and high nickel alloys in nickel sulfate solutions; scoops of cobalt and high cobalt alloys in cobalt sulfate solutions; iron scoops in ferrous sulfate or chloride solutions. With the foregoing solutions alternate plating and removal of the burrs and sharp edges and corners may be carried out, as described.
More generally, formed scoops that have not yet been applied to a tape, as described above, may be treated in solutions in which the scoops are anodically decomposable, including conventional plating solutions as described, and other solutions like aqueous alkaline cyanide solutions of the kind noted, and aqueous alkaline solutions like aqueous sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or potassium hydroxide, etc. The presence of alkali halides, such as sodium chloride, in the solution may favor the p efere tial removal of metal from the scoops. The a may be treated in a basket or plating barrel; or, particularly when groups of scoops are involved, each in the form of a longitudinal carrier comprising the re mainder of the strip from which the scoops were formed and having the scoops attached, may be treated in a manner similar to the treatment of the stringers.
In the light of the foregoing description, the following is claimed:
1. In --the method of producing separable fastener stringers, each comprising a fabric tape having spaced metal scoops mounted along one edge portion thereof, by forming said scoops from metal and mounting them on said fabric tape, said scoops being made from a metal selected from the group consisting of copper, Zinc, copper alloys, and zinc alloys and wherein the scoops are characterized by having burrs and sharp edges and corners such that they are difficult to couple and uncouple the improved steps of finishing the scoops which comprise connecting the spaced scoops of a stringer to an electrical conductor, then immersing said stringer including the fabric thereof in an alkaline cyanide metal electroplating solution the metal of said solution being selected from the class consisting of copper, zinc, copper alloys and zinc alloys, the concentration of dissolved cyanide (CN) being about 0.1 to about 20 oz./gal., connecting said scoops as anode in a circuit comprising said plating solution, a cathode, and a source of current, passing current through the solution for a substantial period of time to remove at least a portion of the metal from the scoops preferentially at the burrs and the sharp edges and corners thereof to produce a stringer having scoops having substantially reduced burrs and sharp edges and corners and being substantially smooth to the touch and being freely running when coupled and uncoupled with a similarly treated companion stringer, then reversing the direction of current to plate metal from the solution on the surfaces of the scoops, and continuing to intermittently change the direction of current to produce a finished stringer having plated scoops.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the current employed is in the range of 5-l0 amperes per square foot and the temperature of the solutions is maintained at about to about F.
References tilted in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,787,139 Cain ec. 30, 1930 2,451,341 Iernstedt Oct. 12, 1948 2,591,042 Berrnan et al Apr. 1, 1952 2,715,095 Cohn Aug. 9, 1955 FOREIGN PATERTS 27,099 Great Britain of 1906 655,514 Great Britain July 25, 1951 OTHER REFERERCES Proceedings of The American Etectroplaters Society, June 1946, pages 53 and 54 of article by Faust.
Claims (1)
1. IN THE METHOD OF PRODUCING SEPARABLE FASTENER STRINGERS, EACH COMPRISING A FABRIC TAPE HAVING SPACED METAL SCOOPS MOUNTED ALONG ONE EDGE PORTION THEREOF, BY FORMING SAID SCOOPS FROM METAL AND MOUNTING THEM ON SAID FABRIC TAPE, SAID SCOOPS BEING MADE FROM A METAL SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF COPPER, ZINC, COPPER ALLOYS, AND ZINC ALLOYS AND WHEREIN THE SCOOPS ARE CHARACTERIZED BY HAVING BURRS AND SHARP EDGES AND CORNERS SUCH THAT THEY ARE DIFFICULT TO COUPLE AND UNCOUPLE THE IMPROVED STEPS OF FINISHING THE SCOOPS WHICH COMPRISE CONNECTING THE SPACED SCOOPS OF A STRINGER TO AN ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR, THEN IMMERSING SAID STRINGER INCLUDING THE FABRIC THEREOF IN AN ALKALINE CYANIDE METAL ELECTROPLATING SOLUTION THE METAL OF SAID SOLUTION BEING SELECTED FROM THE CLASS CONSISTING OF COPPER, ZINC, COPPER ALLOYS AND ZINC ALLOYS, THE CONCENTRATION OF DISSOLVED CYANIDE (CN) BEING ABOUT 0.1 TO ABOUT 20 OZ./GAL., CONNECTING SAID SCOOPS AS ANODE IN A CIRCUIT COMPRISING SAID PLATING SOLUTION, A CATHODE, AND A SOURCE OF CURRENT, PASSING CURRENT THROUGH THE SOLUTION FOR A SUBSTANTIAL PERIOD OF TIME TO REMOVE AT LEAST A PORTION OF THE METAL FROM THE SCOOPS PREFERENTIALLY AT THE BURRS AND THE SHARP EDGES AND CORNERS THEREOF TO PRODUCE A STRINGER HAVING SCOOPS HAVING SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED BURRS AND SHARP EDGES AND CORNERS AND BEING SUBSTANTIALLY SMOOTH TO THE TOUCH AND BEING FREELY RUNNING WHEN COUPLED AND UNCOUPLED WITH A SIMILARLY TREATED COMPANION STRINGER, THEN REVERSING THE DIRECTION OF CURRENT TO PLATE METAL FROM THE SOLUTION ON THE SURFACES OF THE SCOOPS, AND CONTINUING TO INTERMITTENTLY CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF CURRENT TO PRODUCE A FINSIHED STRINGER HAVING PLATED SCOOPS.
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US413960A US2799636A (en) | 1954-03-03 | 1954-03-03 | Processing of separable fastener stringers |
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US413960A US2799636A (en) | 1954-03-03 | 1954-03-03 | Processing of separable fastener stringers |
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US2799636A true US2799636A (en) | 1957-07-16 |
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US3020661A (en) * | 1959-09-28 | 1962-02-13 | Gen Motors Corp | Method of polishing and deflashing molded plastic articles |
US3054737A (en) * | 1958-08-07 | 1962-09-18 | British Iron Steel Research | Process and bath for electrosmoothing ferrous metals |
US3088887A (en) * | 1958-11-03 | 1963-05-07 | Diamond Alkali Co | Electropolishing of zinc-copper alloys |
US3242062A (en) * | 1966-03-22 | Fluorine-cuntaining electrolyte for electrolytic cutting of metals | ||
US3267013A (en) * | 1962-09-18 | 1966-08-16 | Sperry Rand Corp | Electrolytic deplating process |
CN1680631B (en) * | 2004-03-23 | 2010-05-05 | Ykk株式会社 | Electrolysis treating method and apparatus |
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GB190627099A (en) * | 1906-11-28 | 1907-09-05 | Sherard Osborn Cowper-Coles | Improvements in the Electrolytic Manufacture of Metal Wire, Strip or the like. |
US1787139A (en) * | 1926-06-11 | 1930-12-30 | Richardson Co | Process of forming iron foils |
US2451341A (en) * | 1945-08-10 | 1948-10-12 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Electroplating |
GB655514A (en) * | 1948-10-28 | 1951-07-25 | Louis Progoniker | Electrolytic process for the surface treatment of aluminium or aluminium alloys |
US2591042A (en) * | 1947-01-08 | 1952-04-01 | Conmar Prod Corp | Apparatus for electrolytic treatment of spaced metallic elements |
US2715095A (en) * | 1952-10-10 | 1955-08-09 | Charles C Cohn | Method and apparatus for electrolytic treatment of slide fasteners |
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Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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GB190627099A (en) * | 1906-11-28 | 1907-09-05 | Sherard Osborn Cowper-Coles | Improvements in the Electrolytic Manufacture of Metal Wire, Strip or the like. |
US1787139A (en) * | 1926-06-11 | 1930-12-30 | Richardson Co | Process of forming iron foils |
US2451341A (en) * | 1945-08-10 | 1948-10-12 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Electroplating |
US2591042A (en) * | 1947-01-08 | 1952-04-01 | Conmar Prod Corp | Apparatus for electrolytic treatment of spaced metallic elements |
GB655514A (en) * | 1948-10-28 | 1951-07-25 | Louis Progoniker | Electrolytic process for the surface treatment of aluminium or aluminium alloys |
US2715095A (en) * | 1952-10-10 | 1955-08-09 | Charles C Cohn | Method and apparatus for electrolytic treatment of slide fasteners |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3242062A (en) * | 1966-03-22 | Fluorine-cuntaining electrolyte for electrolytic cutting of metals | ||
US3054737A (en) * | 1958-08-07 | 1962-09-18 | British Iron Steel Research | Process and bath for electrosmoothing ferrous metals |
US3088887A (en) * | 1958-11-03 | 1963-05-07 | Diamond Alkali Co | Electropolishing of zinc-copper alloys |
US3020661A (en) * | 1959-09-28 | 1962-02-13 | Gen Motors Corp | Method of polishing and deflashing molded plastic articles |
US3267013A (en) * | 1962-09-18 | 1966-08-16 | Sperry Rand Corp | Electrolytic deplating process |
CN1680631B (en) * | 2004-03-23 | 2010-05-05 | Ykk株式会社 | Electrolysis treating method and apparatus |
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