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Q&As since 1989


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E-Cu to E-NI transition

I am currently working at a Plating on plastics line, that is about to switch from E-CU to E-NI. What are the major setbacks that we will have during this kind of transition.

Bobby Welch
- Nicholasville, Kentucky, USA
2002

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Electroless copper is often chosen because it is believed to be less expensive the electroless nickel for plating on plastic. Also, at least one plating shop believes that since copper is more ductile than nickel E-copper has a better chance of passing Chrysler's thermal shock, and moisture test. My experience is that they are equivalent in thermal shock and moisture tests test results. Depending on the supplier, EN is easier to operate and control than e-copper and the costs are about equivalent. Some plastics are sensitive to the strong alkaline solution of electroless copper solutions. I generally prefer E-nickel.

Don Baudrand
Consultant - Poulsbo, Washington
(Don is co-author of "Plating on Plastics" [on Amazon or AbeBooks affil links]
           and "Plating ABS Plastics" [on Amazon or eBay or AbeBooks affil links])
2002