Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Getting smooth nickel plating in unbuffable area

2005

I am doing diploma in surface coating technology(sandwiched course). I am having inplant training at godrej & boyce mfg. co. ltd, Mumbai. this is my 6th semester. I am taking training in the plant where electroplating & powder coating getting done. In my plant all types of locks are plated & powder coated.

There are some components of locks over which nickel plating is done after properly buffing the components.but there are some complicated shaped objects over which buffing is not possible. So nickel layer over these components is not as smooth as other components.

So I want the solution over this problem where without buffing I can get same smoothness and uniformity over substrate in only one layer. I am considering it as a project & I will be happy if I get the solution .

Thank you. Eagerly waiting for reply.

Vitish Pendharkar
Godrej&Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. - Pune, Maharashtra, India

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Hello, Vitish. Many decades ago nickel plated parts required buffing after plating; modern self-leveling bright nickel plating baths were developed to eliminate the need for that. But it is not possible to plate bright, highly reflective nickel onto a substrate that is too rough. Have you considered bead blasting the areas that can't be buffed? You will see this look on firearms and it can be very nice indeed.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

adv.