48049

Watermarks (line) on plated components  

March 5, 2008

We have Electroless Ni-Cu-Ni-Cr plating on ABS plastics, but recently we are facing the watermark (Lines) on plated components. Almost 99% of the plated area is having no problem with it.
Earlier we found this problem was because of increased conductivity of DM water, hence we maintained it below the suggested range i.e. 2 micro siemense. The issue is then solved.
since then we are maintaining the DM water conductivity below 2 microS But now after a year the problem is raised again. So what could be the reason and please tell the solution.
The Watermarks occured only on the Uppermost (1 feet) component of every jig.
It is Visible after Cu plating.

Manisha Rathi
Engineer - Gurgaon

Hi There,

Could you please let us know whether you are running the line at a single stage or after Electroless Nickel you change the jigs , if it is please have a good sponge wash for the components before going ahead to Acid copper, also air agitation in all the rinses would also be preferable.

Regards,

Praveen Kumar     plating process supplier Mumbai, India