Summary for nickel plating thickness Discussion
Nickel plating thickness is the key issue in this thread about specifying a finish for a mild-steel BBQ scraper that will flex and see abrasive wear. Tom D asks whether FED-QQN-290, now AMSQQN290, is the right standard and whether Class 2, Grade E would best balance durability, appearance, and safety for a consumer product where plating failure could contaminate food. The reply advises that Class 1 should be less expensive and adequate for consumer items, and says properly plated nickel should not rub or peel off under reasonable flexing. However, the answerer cautions Tom to read the specification carefully because it may require copper underplating and minimum nickel thicknesses when plating steel. The discussion does not settle every class/grade detail, but it points Tom toward the spec’s thickness and underplating requirements as the critical items to verify.
Q. I am trying to determine the best specification for nickel plating onto a mild steel substrate. The application is a high volume, consumer-grade hand scraper used as a BBQ cleaning tool. Failure of the plating could result in plating material in someone’s food, so getting the specification right is very important.
Is FED-QQN-290 (replaced by AMSQQN290)
A the most accepted standard to reference? If so, I am unsure as to the best Class and Grade to specify. The product will see significant deflection during use, and contact abrasive materials. I am not concerned about the corrosion resistance, mainly its ability to withstand abrasive motion and significant strain, so I think Class 2 is appropriate. I would guess grade E, but could use some input on that part. The appearance should be similar to stainless steel. The hardness requirement to be consistent with above requirements. The base material is ASTM A1018 plate, 16 gauge.
Thank you in advance for your input.
Tom D [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
consumer products manufacturer – Hood River, Oregon, USA
2004
A. Hi Tom. Class 1 should be less expensive and adequate for consumer items. Nickel that is plated properly, per this or similar industry specs, will not rub or peel off despite the reasonable flexing of a scraper. But please read the spec carefully if this is the one you choose to use … because I think it specifies copper under-plating plus minimum nickel plating thicknesses when plating onto steel.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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