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A-2 CAM PLATING

2003

I am currently using an electroless nickel plate on several hardened (Rc-50) A-2 cams, the plating is called out to be .0005-.0007 thick. The plating is used to protect the cams from water (i.e., rust) used during washdown, they are being used on a special packing machine in a food plant. The cam tracks and mounting holes are masked during the plating process. I am having problems with the plating peeling off, and would like to find a cost effective alternative. Is it possible the plating is just too thick, I believe that this is usually called out in the .0002" range of thickness, or is the base material not compatible with this type of plating.

George B. Fowler
- Jackson, Tennessee, U.S.A.

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First of two simultaneous responses -- 2003

A2 steel needs special treatment to get good adhesion with electroless nickel. I would think with the washdown and food grade application you would go with .002"" of high phosphorous electroless nickel. Rust will have potential to bleed out from any of the masked areas.

Todd Osmolski
- Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

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Second of two simultaneous responses -- 2003

EN is applied up to 0.0015"" with no problem. Unless you have a very unusual use, EN on Rc 50 should not peel. My thought is that the plater is having a problem getting all of the heat treat scale off or is not properly cleaning and/or activating the parts. You really need to be able to see the parts and to be able to watch the parts being processed to tell where the problem probably is.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

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2003

George,

Try a Pre and Post bake for Hydrogen Embrittlement 375 at 4 hours.

Chris Snyder
plater - Charlotte, North Carolina