Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

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

-----

Nickel sulfamate bath can't reach target amperes

June 2, 2013

Q. Dear All,

We currently have a problem that the Ni strike and Ni topcoat bath cannot reach the target amperes that my client requests.

They request 650amp @ 15-17V
but we can only achieve 500amp @ 18-20V (reach the max of rectifier).

We have check that all the connections have low voltage drop. The filtration rate is 3-5 time per hour. Barrel rotation speed is 8 rpm.

The weird thing is that the same design planting tank can achieve the amps and voltage requirement in Cu plating stage. (750amp ~ 12 - 13V)

I feel so hopeless to dealing with this issue for 2 months, but no improvement has been found.

Best wishes,

NEP CHAN
project engineer - Hong Kong

A. Hi Nep. Is it possible to move the anodes closer to the work? Don't forget that plating solutions have limited conductivity, and wide anode to cathode spacing creates significant resistance that limits current flow.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
June 3, 2013

June 5, 2013

A. Hi.
Different size barrel holes give different resistance. Where circumstances permit, increase your barrel holes or hole size to get more current to your parts.
Good Luck

SK Cheah
- Penang, Malaysia

July 25, 2013

A. Hi,

I would focus on the anodes. You may need more anode area or some of them are not making good electrical connection. Also make sure the anode baskets are full and the bags are clean.

Good Luck

Bob Peterson
- Hudson, Massachusetts, USA

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: