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Ni Plating Adhesion

 

We are using an Electroless Ni plating with mid-Phos on Ductile Iron. What kind of adhesion and hardness should I expect from this plating? With Ductile Iron, if oils were trapped in the materials pores, could I potentially see a degradation of the plating over time?

Greg Hastings
- Corvallis, Oregon

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Greg:

Hardness of that kind of EN without heat treatment is around 44-48Rc, but it cannot be measured by conventional indentation techniques because plate is too thin (you have to use Knoop or any other micro tester and check transversally). Adhesion to ductile iron, if properly prepared should exceed 20,000 psi. On your second question, entrapped grease, oil or any substance frequently found in castings will absolutely affect adhesion of most any plating process either electro or electroless. Seems like you need more assistance from your EN supplier than a site like this can offer.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico