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Kovar plating problems

We are trying to gold plate short pieces of Kovar. We use 3-5 micron nickel coat then .05 -.1 micron gold plate. The plating appears to be flaking off over relative short time. To try and solve this, the parts were stripped and then heat treated (to burn off oils) and replated. Now the gold plating does not adhere to the Kovar.

If there is someone who can clarify what is happening or is familiar with gold plating of Kovar, a prompt response will be appreciated.

Andy Millner / Silvio Marin
Johanson Mfg. - New Jersey

I plate Kovar on a weekly basis. I treat it like if I was plating stainless steel. A woods or sulfamate nickel strike is necessary to get good adhesion.

Todd Huehn
- Minneapolis, Minnesota

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