Summary for nickel-plated aluminum stainless Discussion
Nickel-plated aluminum and stainless in a liquid cooling loop is the focus keyphrase here, and the question is whether a nickel-plated Al-6061 cold plate can safely use stainless fittings with 60/40 EGW coolant. Matt M. asks about galvanic corrosion risk, noting the anodic differences between nickel and stainless versus stainless and aluminum, and whether a corrosion inhibitor could make the combination acceptable. He also asks whether thread engagement could wear through the nickel plating. No technical answers are included in the excerpt, only a site note that some readers may not respond to anonymous posters. Based on the thread text alone, the practical issue remains unresolved here: the user is seeking confirmation on galvanic compatibility, inhibitor use, and plating durability, but no expert conclusion is provided in the visible portion of the discussion.
Q. Hello,
I am designing a liquid cooling circuit that will use 60/40 EGW as the fluid.
I have a cold plate made out of Al-6061 & will be nickel-plated. I am trying to determine whether or not I can use stainless fittings without risk of galvanic corrosion?
The anodic difference between nickel & stainless is ~0.20V; between the stainless & aluminum it is ~0.40V.
My understanding is that in a “wet” environment (e.g. liquid cooling), it is best to try to keep the different to 0.15V or less?
Would I be able to use a corrosion inhibitor in the fluid to allow the safe usage of the aforementioned metal combinations?
Are there any concerns with the nickel plating wearing off during the thread engagement (e.g. friction) process?
Thanks.
Matt M.
– Atlanta, Georgia
August 20, 2024
This is a meeting place for camaraderie & sharing, not a free consultancy. So some readers don’t engage with anonymous posters.