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Nickel plating impact question

1998

I have a part that is screw machined from brass stock and then electroless nickel plated. This part is then mechanically staked onto another part (steel) at which time the nickel plating often flakes off. I have been told that a electrolytic plating would be more 'impact' resistant and more cost effective.

Could someone advise me on this? Its a mite hard to describe the parts unless someone is familiar with the auto industry. we manufacture brake cables, this application is taking the conduit end fitting (brass, ni plated) and staking it onto the end of the conduit.

Thank you.

David Webb
- Orscheln Products LLC

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I'm not experienced with Electroless Ni plating, but here are a few things that you might consider:

1. EN is an expensive process because the plating solution has a limited lifetime.

2. EN is used primarily where even distribution of plating thickness is required over complex shaped parts (recesses and through holes)

3. Electrolytic Nickel is less expensive, but lacks the ability to plate evenly in the recesses

4. Good adhesion is dependent upon good cleaning in any plating process

Gary Chester
1998

There are some EN's that are more ductile than others. Excellent attention to the preparation and plating of the blank stock must be done for the punishment you are giving it. You may have to modify your process to include more strikes (more dies). Talk to any of the really big EN solution vendors tech services for a better idea and possibly a more suitable EN. Some are willing to do test pieces to get you to switch brands and possibly just a different type from the same vendor.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
1998

Is nickel plating conductive?

David L Ezell
Gulf Coast Systems - Brewton, Alabama
2003

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Everything is relative and your question is a bit vague, David, but yes, nickel plating is conductive.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003