HOME FAQs BOOKS JOBS: Help Wanted Suggestions you are here: Hotline/Forum => Letter 30017

Plating on magnesium

++++

We are plating mag with nickel and we have the following questions.

1. Which nickel finish is the most durable?

2. What is the best thickness to produce a cosmetic and durable finish? The parts will be handled by doctors and the device is portable.

3. Are there cosmetic standards that we can call out on the drawing to insure quality parts. The parts will be manufactured in the US so any ASTM or US finishing type spec will work.

Thanks

Don P [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
medical equip - Mt. View, California

++++

The most durable nickel finish will be a duplex electroless nickel plating. After alkaline cleaning, acid etching/pickling, and fluoride activation, apply ~ 8 micrometers of low-phosphorus nickel, followed by ~ 17 micrometers of either mid-P Ni (6-9% P) or high-P Ni (> 10%). This duplex coating results in a more durable, corrosion resistant finish. The fluoride activation can be replaced with a zinc immersion followed by a copper strike. The standard ASTM B480 [link is to spec at TechStreet] provides details on preparation of Mg alloys by either electroless (autocatalytic) Ni or Zn immersion + Cu strike. I will let others discuss the cosmetic standards issue.

Best of luck with your project.

Toby Padfield
Automotive module supplier - Michigan

ANSWER or FOLLOW UP POST an unrelated QUESTION HOT Topics

Disclaimer: It is not possible to diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information
presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The
internet is largely anonymous; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations may be deliberately harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: