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How to electroplate type 204 stainless steel

March 14, 2014

Q. I've been asked about doing a bright Nickel/Chrome finish on buffed 204Cu stainless, which is a lower cost substitute for 300 series. My question is: has anyone got any experience with this alloy?
I fear the higher Cu content will poison an acid etch/Woods strike quickly, and I don't know anything about plating on Mn, which is also in this alloy at about 9%. Do I need a tri-acid etch, some fluoride kicker in my etch, or am I OK with a classic 50% HCl etch and Woods strike? Obviously, adhesion is my main concern. Anyone have any sage advice?

Jim Romine
Engineer - Sanford, North Carolina, USA

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