Frame assembly and method for coating a strand of workpieces

A frame assembly (14) for supporting a plurality of interconnected workpieces (18) wherein the workpieces (18) may be coated with a material, said frame assembly (14) comprising;

• a rod (24) defining a longitudinal axis;
• a plurality of supports (26) each mounted to said rod (24) and extending radially outwardly therefrom;
• and
• a plurality of bars (32, 34) attached to said supports (26), wherein the interconnected workpieces (18) are wrapped over said bars (32, 34) about said longitudinal axis to define a revolution of the interconnected workpieces (18);
• said frame assembly (14) characterized by a plurality of spacers (38) mounted along at least one of said bars (32, 34) for separating adjacent revolutions of the interconnected workpieces (18) such that the workpieces (18) can be effectively coated with the material.

A plating apparatus for supporting a plurality of workpieces (18) such that the workpieces (18) can be coated with a material, said plating apparatus comprising;

• an electrically conductive rack (12);
• at least one electrically conductive rod (24) mounted to said rack (12);
• a plurality of electrically conductive supports (26) each mounted to said rod (24) and extending radially outwardly therefrom;
• and
• a plurality of electrically conductive bars (32, 34) mounted to said supports (26) wherein the interconnected workpieces (18) are wrapped over said bars (32, 34) to define a revolution of the interconnected workpieces (18);
• said plating apparatus characterized by a plurality of spacers (38) mounted along at least one of said bars (32, 34) for separating adjacent revolutions of the interconnected workpieces (18) such that the workpieces (18) can be effectively coated with the material.