Lead-freeCDA 96400Decorative Brass PlatingZinc Die Cast Sealing LayerDiffusion BarrierNugget and Flat Top Forms
70% Cu / 30% Zn brass electroplating anode, CDA 96400. Forms: nuggets and cast flat top anodes. Used for decorative brass plating and sealing zinc die castings.
70/30 Brass Alloy CDA 96400 is a copper-zinc electroplating anode containing 70% copper and 30% zinc, used to deposit brass alloy coatings in decorative and functional plating applications. Brass plating produces warm gold-toned decorative finishes widely used in antique hardware reproductions, ox (oxidized) finish decorative items, picture frames, lighting fixtures, and architectural hardware. The 70/30 composition produces a rich yellow brass color in the deposit. Brass plating is also used as a functional interlayer in zinc die casting finishing operations – the brass deposit seals the porous zinc die cast surface and provides an excellent diffusion barrier that prevents migration of zinc and other base metal components into subsequent nickel or chrome plating layers, improving adhesion and long-term decorative finish quality. CDA 96400 designation confirms the alloy composition and ensures consistent deposit color and bath chemistry behavior. Forms: 1″ x 1″ x 1″ nuggets for anode baskets and cast flat top anodes for direct rack mounting.
Available Forms
1" x 1" x 1" Nuggets, Cast Flat Top Anode Approx 1-1/4" Each
Product Code
47018A
Technical Info
Thermal Properties
Melting Point (Solidus)1,660°F (904°C)
Melting Point (Liquidus)1,750°F (954°C)
Physical Properties
Density (imperial)0.308 lbs/in³
Density (metric)8.53 g/cm³
Primary ElementsCu · Zn
SpecificationCDA 96400
Lead FreeYes
Key Features
Decorative Brass PlatingZinc Die Cast Sealing LayerDiffusion BarrierNugget and Flat Top Forms
Nominal Composition
70% Cu
30% Zn
Frequently Asked Questions
Common technical inquiries regarding 70/30 Brass Alloy CDA 96400
Zinc die castings have a porous chemically active surface that causes two problems for direct nickel plating: the porosity allows nickel bath chemicals to be trapped and later bleed out causing adhesion failures; and zinc migrates through thin nickel deposits by solid-state diffusion, discoloring the surface and reducing corrosion resistance. A brass strike deposit seals the porous zinc surface, provides a dense adherent base for subsequent plating, and acts as a diffusion barrier that blocks zinc migration into the nickel or chrome topcoat.
In cyanide brass plating baths the deposit composition is controlled by bath chemistry (copper and zinc cyanide concentrations, pH, temperature) rather than directly mirroring the anode ratio. The anode dissolves to replenish copper and zinc ions at a rate that depends on the bath's relative complexing of each metal. Maintaining the correct anode composition ensures that both metals dissolve at rates consistent with the bath formulation. Deviation from the specified CDA 96400 composition will shift the dissolution ratio and require corrective bath additions to maintain the target deposit color.
Nuggets (1" x 1" x 1" cubes) are loaded into anode baskets providing a high surface area-to-mass ratio and the ability to add anode material during production without interrupting the plating cycle. They are preferred for high-throughput production plating where continuous anode replenishment is needed. Cast flat top anodes are rigid bars used directly in slotted anode holders - they are preferred for smaller tank operations, laboratory setups, and applications where the geometry of the flat anode provides better current distribution for the specific part being plated.
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