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Nickel Acetate Seal Test

2001

We currently have aluminum parts that require black anodize MIL-A-8625 / MIL-PRF-8625 [on DLA] Type II class 2 with Nickel Acetate Seal. We manufacture the parts but the plating is sourced out. Here is my problem, the customer says the parts are failing their test for nickel acetate seal. Could anyone give me some advice on an in house test we could do. Possibly a bleach ⇦ bleach/sodium hypochlorite in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] mixture with exposure times. It is not that I don't trust our plater, but I would like an independent test.

Thanks,

Peter L Perro
- Hollis Center, Maine, USA

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One test that would be applicable is the nitric acid seal test. Using 50% v/v Nitric acid, place a drop on the specimen to be tested. The drop is to remain on the surface for 2 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with DI water and pat dry. There should be no indication of corrosion, i.e. no dye remove from the surface.

Good Luck,

Ira Donovan, M.S.F.
Kansas City, Missouri
2001