Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Copper, Nickel, Others Metal Brightener

Dear Sir,

Thanks for this website. We are interesting in manufacturer of Brightener to plating industries. We have the technology for Al-brightener, but we also interest for Nickel, Copper, Chrome, Zinc, Gold, silver or others metal brightener. Is it same the technology?.

Could you advise to us how to make it since we don't have the technology yet?. Others advise I need from you is :
I have two or three guide formulation for Al- brightener, But I don't know and How to choice the good once?. Should do a trial and error to find the best one? How many percentage of use level of Alkaline cleaner, Al, Ni, Cu brightener will be add in electroplating process?

Thanks a lot for your helps, answers and corporation.

Latif Lim
- DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
2001

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2001

Dear Latif,

Here in the U.S.A., and in many other areas, the formulations of brighteners and other additives are very tightly held trade secrets. The suppliers have invested a fortune in them.

I doubt that anyone is going to help you, and we can only print references to literature, not actual formulas anyway, but a good starting point would be journal articles (Plating & Surface Finishing, Metal Finishing, Transactions of the IMF, etc.)

For nickel brighteners specifically, though, ASM Metals Handbook vol. 5 has a very good chapter on the subject. Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey