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Black Spots on Nickel-Plated Brass

I am having a problem in the nickel plating of brass cartridge cases of ammunition. There are black spots found on the surface of some of the cases.

I am using using barrel plating setup with nickel sulphate, boric acid and sodium chloride as chemicals.

I hope you can help me identify the cause.

Thanks in advance.

Emmanuel Caguimbal
Assistant Manager (Plating) - Manila, Philippines
June 8, 2010

My guess is too thin a plate and the copper in the brass is alloying with the nickel.
Is your adhesion good. If not, add a strike to your line.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
June 9, 2010

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