Nickel plating is widely used throughout manufacturing because it improves corrosion resistance, durability, and surface performance on engineering components. To achieve reliable results, however, the plating process must be carefully controlled from start to finish. Small changes in temperature, chemical balance, or finishing methods can significantly affect coating quality, consistency, reliability, efficiency, durability, and long-term performance.
Control Temperature Carefully
Temperature control for the process of electroless nickel plating is critical as both the coating and the bath can be irreparably damaged by incorrect temperatures. High temperatures cause the bath components to decompose, and low temperatures cause the coating to blister. Also, low temperatures decrease the plating rate to such a degree that an adequate coating deposit may not be obtained.
For anyone interested in learning more about electroless nickel plating, consider reaching out to a specialist such as www.swmf.co.uk/surface-coatings/electroless-nickel-plating/.
Apply Suitable Post Treatment Processes
Post-treatment may be applied to improve the durability of the surface finish after coating. Some coated parts may develop stains or even hydrogen embrittlement after treatment if no post-treatment has been applied.
Monitor Chemical Balance Continuously
Continuous testing of the plating solution plus automatic replenishment of the required chemicals will ensure that the correct balance of plating chemicals is constantly maintained to produce a consistent quality of coating. By testing the plating bath solution and maintaining the correct chemical balance throughout the production process, any defects caused by the uncontrolled concentration of the chemicals in the plating bath will be eradicated, allowing consistent results to be achieved over long production runs.
