Letter 175

Experiences with black nickel plating?

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Lately we have had several requests in our shop for "black nickel".   I understand that this can be accomplished in an EN bath during a post plate process, using a common EN strip, or even nitric acid.   Anyone have suggestions, experience, with this process? Is the application functional or simply aesthetic?   Jim

JAMES D MCCARRICK

A black nickel coating is usually accomplished by electro- rather than electroless deposition. The best known bath forms a Zn-Ni deposit that is very thin (1-2 micrometers, if memory serves) and black in color. The protective value of these coatings is minimal, they are mostly used for decorative and functional (solar energy heat exchangers) applications over a protective layer of Ni or Ni-Cu.  

"PlaterB" Berl Stein NiCoForm, Inc. Rochester, NY

Good point, Berl. Thanks. Letter 7077 also talks about black nickel plating.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, New Jersey