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


-----

Nickel Silicon Carbide repair

2003

I wish to do some spot repairs of aluminum cylinders where a the coating was scored in small areas, in order to save the expense of complete replating. I'm told the coating is a Nickel composite (Nickel Silicon Carbide). I would like to try brush plating if thought to be feasible I have done just nickel. How do I obtain small quantities of the Nickel Silicon Carbide electrolyte, what voltage and temps.

Thanks,

Sam
OEM - Alpena, Michigan

Nickel silicon carbide is a composite plating. Which means that it has discrete SiC particles embedded in it. These are added to the formulation and are kept suspended to disperse and co-deposit at the same time the metal is being built up. The constant rubbing over the surface in a brush method would prevent the particles to settle even if they were added to the brush plating solution. For that reason this is one of the exceptions that require an immersion process.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2003