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


-----

QC on Ni plating solution

2006

Hi,
I'll do hard nickel plating and I use solution consisting of:
Nickel sulphate 180 gm/L
Ammonium chloride 25 gm/L
Boric acid 30 gm/L
And for controlling pH l be use Nickel carbonate and boric acid

How many cubic dc plating volume can be make from 1 cubic dc plating solution before the solution need to: 1- purification, 2- change
Thanks for your support and help

Mohamed Farouk
- Cairo, Egypt

---

First of two simultaneous responses --

First, boric acid is a buffer, not a pH adjuster. Use dilute sulfuric acid for adjusting the pH downward.
The real answer to your question is, "it depends". Rinsing, cleanliness of the parts and dragout are major factors that no one can tell. No shop is perfect and some are terrible. This will be a variable in your shop unless you only plate one type of part and only one plater.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2006

---

Second of two simultaneous responses --

Purification routine will depend on the following:
1-preplating effectiveness (cleaning, rinsing, striking, activation, etc.)
2-drag-in from previous tanks (part shape, transfer time)
3-quality of water and chemicals.
4-incidental contamination from ambient.
If you do the things right you are not supposed to change the solution ever. Hull Cell test is the basic tool for good quality.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2006