Magnetic Rods
Why are nickel-plated rods forming whiskers and spurs on the surface?
Q. We nickel plate threaded rods. In the past three weeks, the plated rods have whiskers and spurs on the surface. What is the cause of this defect? –T.L.
A. This is a beautiful example of example of a magnetized part after being plated in a nickel bath with iron contamination. Your plating bath has small iron particles that are attracted to the rods. When they are plated, the iron particles that have attached to the threads are also plated. You can demagnetize the parts prior to plating, but a better solution is to clean up your plating bath by removing the iron. Filtration and dummying of the bath are required.
Related Content
-
Zinc Electroplating
Choosing the best process for your operation.
-
How to Maximize Nickel Plating Performance
The advantages of boric acid-free nickel plating include allowing manufacturers who utilize nickel plating to keep up the ever-changing regulatory policies and support sustainability efforts.
-
An Overview of Electroless Nickel Plating
By definition, electroless plating is metal deposition by a controlled chemical reaction.