
plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989
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Adhesion No Good for Nickel Coating Process

Q. Recently we are encountering flaking or peeling off of plating layer after conducting 250 °C x 10 mins (adhesion test).
Plating is only Nickel layer only. And the Nickel solution has no Brightener chemical. Will this be one of the reasons of such reject? Additionally, what other possible options to consider to address this issue.
Thank you in advance.
- Cavite Philippines
November 15, 2023
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A. Hi JM,
There are many possible causes for poor nickel plating adhesion. I doubt that lack of brightener actually reduces adhesion, but highly stressed brittle plating can manifest/masquerade as poor adhesion.
But we need at least some general data or we're flailing in the dark. Is this barrel plating (make & break contact can cause it)? What is the substrate (stainless, aluminum, diecast, & leaded substrates require special pretreatment)? Have you successfully plated this exact part with this process before? Is there any possibility that silicones have found their way onto the parts (they're almost impossible to remove)? Is the adhesion problem exactly at the interface between substrate and plating (any flakes with only nickel both top & bottom)? Thanks.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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Q. Good day Sir Ted.. thank you for replying immediately. - Cavite Philippines November 18, 2023 A. JM, consultant/chemist - Roseville November 22, 2023 |
A. Hi. The most conventional process for plating Nd magnets seems to be vacuum impregnation followed by Ni, Cu, and Ni again. But I don't have personal experience in plating on Nd. Sorry.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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