Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989

-----

Blackening nickel coated zinc

2003

We are a manufacturer of writing instruments. We recently started an additional line of keychains, etc.

We have the capability to laser engrave our products. We are searching for a method of cold blackening the laser engraving. The products we are having trouble with are nickel plated zinc. The laser burns through the nickel plating into the zinc base metal underneath. We are searching for a method of blackening the zinc engraving without staining the nickel outer coating.

A material analysis lab has determined that the nickel coating is a standard nickel and the zinc base metal is similar to ASTM B86, Alloy 3.

Ernie Zielinski
- Coventry, Rhode Island

Black color for zinc: 12 gm copper sulphate [on eBay or Amazon]15 gm potassium permanganate [on eBay or Amazon] 1 lit water Hot immersion( cold solution works slow)!

Budija Goran
- Zagreb, Croatia
2003

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: