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Test Method of Sealer for electroless nickel

June 10, 2009

Last month we got problem with our electroless nickel part. Part is processed as bellow :
Degreasing (5 min), Degreasing (10 min), Anodic Cleaning ( 1A/dm2, 3 min), Pickling (6 min), Activation (1 min), EN Plating (20 min), Passivating/Sealing (40 sec), hot rinse, Dry
After several days the color changed from white to dark yellow. After we checked all process we found that passivating process is not standard there are small precipitated of sealer. We already changed this sealer, but then our customer asked about checking method to guaranty that color will not change. Is there any method to know immediately that part color won't change (such as baking or other else)?

Joko Prasetyo Yuniartanto
Plating shop employee - Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia

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August 1, 2009

Dear Joko,

What kind of Passivation that you are using? Cr6 based or non Chrome based?

In my experience non-chrome passivation is containing organic so I think very difficult to test it and costly.

Normally we recommended the customer to renew it whenever the passivation solution starting become turbid no yet got precipitation.
Since the solution is not expensive therefore you can do regular maintenance or new make up.

My suggestion just ask your current supplier, what should you do with this solution, otherwise just find a new supplier for better service.

Good luck.

Best regards,

Tony Chandra
- Jakarta, Indonesia