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Electroless Nickel (EN) Plating - nitric acid test method

Is nitric acid test, a preferred test to check the Electroless nickel plated job, where the plating thickness is maintained @ 5~7microns on a Fe+Si alloy component(metal injection moulded)?

If not nitric acid test, then what's the preferred test to evaluate & approve the 5 micron thickness Electroless nickel plated jobs?

If the above test is the ideal test for EN plating, what's the standard practice to carry out this test and approval limits ?

Regards,

Vijayakanth
- Mysore, Karnataka, INDIA
2003

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2003

Dear Vijay,

Why don't you try the simple razor blade test. You can plate a fine razor steel blade along with the part and later on check the thickness on the plate with the help of a micrometer. don't forget to check it before plating as well. Its really hard to check the EN thickness but this blade method is very accurate and also tells you the speed of your bath and the orthophosphite level.

Hemant Kumar
- Florida, USA