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Alkaline zinc/nickel over electroless

2002

I need to zinc/nickel plate Al. I do not currently have a process for this, but my shop does have the process for EN plating Al. I will follow the advise of Mr. Budman's comments in letter 5465 and apply alkaline zinc/nickel over EN.

y question is: Can I go right from EN plate to rinse to zinc/nickel; or do I need an activation step in between?

Thank you.

ps, my electroless is HP.

Mary Cera
- OKC, Oklahoma

Mary,

An activation step should not be required as long as the nickel surface does not passivate. Once the nickel has passivated, a suitable activation, such as a strike will be necessary to promote adhesion.

Best of Luck,

Ira Donovan, M.S.F.
Kansas City, Missouri
2002