White Nickel Deposit
This column marks the end of my eighth year of attempting to give straightforward responses to day-to-day issues that arise in the electroplating arena.
This column marks the end of my eighth year of attempting to give straightforward responses to day-to-day issues that arise in the electroplating arena. It is challenging at times but very enjoyable. All of the questions are real. Yes, I do edit if necessary and change people’s initials to help maintain anonymity.
I have learned that certain questions reappear on a regular basis and many problems and questions are easily answered in the format afforded by this column. Those that are not suitable for use in the column are usually handled via direct e-mail and/or phone discussions. Some questions are such that they can only be handled on a consulting basis. I will continue to respond to questions and problems in a timely manner and with information that can help solve your problems.
Information sources
Question:
Is there a way to obtain a whiter looking nickel from my Watts nickel plating bath? C.C.
Answer
Yes, you can get a whiter looking nickel deposit by adding small amounts of magnesium chloride or magnesium sulfate. Very small amounts of magnesium salts are thought to increase cathode efficiency, improve throwing power and reduce porosity. Excess amounts increase the brittleness of the deposit. You should perform small-scale experiments with the amount of magnesium salt before adding it to your plating tank.
Related Content
-
Products Finishing Reveals 2023 Qualifying Top Shops
Each year PF conducts its Top Shops Benchmarking Survey, offering shops a tool to better understand their overall performance in the industry. The program also recognizes shops that meet a set of criteria to qualify as Top Shops.
-
Troubleshooting Alkaline Zinc
One of the most common problems that can arise when plating with alkaline zinc is an imbalance of brightener in the solution. In this helpful Ask the Expert article, Chad Murphy of Columbia Chemical discusses how different zinc metal concentrations and brightener concentrations can impact efficiency.
-
Possibilities From Electroplating 3D Printed Plastic Parts
Adding layers of nickel or copper to 3D printed polymer can impart desired properties such as electrical conductivity, EMI shielding, abrasion resistance and improved strength — approaching and even exceeding 3D printed metal, according to RePliForm.
