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

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

-----

Ductile Nickel Undercoat

Can anyone tell me what 'ductile nickel' is and why and when it should be specified on gold plated components? My application is an electrical contact that must survive for at least 28 days exposed to seawater. The component has a 4 micron coating of bright nickel and 2 microns of gold at the moment, however I have been told that the correct specification for the under coat is ductile nickel. I do not understand why, or what the advantages of changing would be. Can anyone help?

Simon Walker
TRONIC Ltd - Ulverston, Cumbria, England
2001

Utilizing a "duplex" nickel system, i.e. a dull, ductile nickel under a bright nickel layer, substantially enhances corrosion resistance. It's the process of choice for outdoor plating applications, e.g. automotive trim, etc.

George Brackett III
- Utica, New York
2001

Ductile Nickel can achieved by plating with a sulphamate type bath.

Gabriel Schonwald
Bnei Berak, Israel
2001

Ductile nickel has a special property. He don't break when the material plated have a compression force. The surface remains ok.

Albert Garcia
- Barcelona
2001

(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: