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Electroless nickel produces dusty finish; Bright copper deposit is rough

Q. I don't understand this E-nickel tank. It's plating a lot and gives me a lot of roughness on the parts. It use to plate on its surface but now it's fine like grey dust. What could be wrong with it? LFS1and LFS2 according to our analysis are ok but for LFS3, we don't know ... but the saleslady says it does not matter.

Another problem is bright copper solution. It's hard for us tell where we stand on part A and part B. So the parts have some roughness after copper plating as we have change the rinses?

Bongani Sinqe
Line operator - Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, South Africa
January 26, 2012

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Hi, Bongani. I'm sure that LSF3 (whatever that is) matters; the saleslady was probably trying to tell you that she doesn't think its concentration is relevant to this particular problem you are encountering. You should have her come back in and stay until you are plating properly.

A scattergun approach to fixing a process with as many variables as plating is hopeless. Please make her earn your business.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
January 26, 2012