The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Help for setting up a duplex nickel plating line

2003

Hi,

I am working for a company making automobile parts. Currently, we are looking to set up a Duplex Nickel Line and have collected some technical data for that. Still, I would like to have some suggestions/ instruction about the critical issues that have to be kept in mind for a Duplex Nickel line. I am very new to this field, so anything and everything would be helpful.

Regards,

Manu
- Pune, Maharashtra, India

---

Manu, call in some plating process suppliers to discuss this with you or at least ask some specific questions.

It's kind of tricky to run your situation up the flagpole and ask people to warn you about any critical issues dangling up there, because they may miss things or just choose to remain silent on them. Certainly the STEP test is something a duplex nickel plater needs to implement

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

---

As Ted says, get a reputable chemical supplier to give you help. They will know the chemistry and the problems associated with their processes and they will have the technical backup to help you. Asking people blind on the internet will only cause you a lot of heartache and waste your time. You must get the basic experience in running these systems before you try to set up your own, or copy other peoples, formulations.

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2003

---

Dear Mr Manu,

You can buy any kind of equipment and technology depending on the depth of your pocket, but it would be important to ask the old hands in plating in and around Pune to have a good look at your parts and advise you upon the right course of action.

Please also feel free to send your parts to us for evaluation.

Khozem Vahaanwala
Saify Ind

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

2003

---

2003

Mr Manu

You need to connect with professional suppliers of Machinery and Chemical to achieve repeatable good results.

The factors of significance are:

1) The thickness selected for the Semi Bright layer and the Bright layer. Have you selected a standard to follow. ? There are many available or specified by the buyer.

2)The chrome thickness effectively applied in relation to the standard.

Duplex Nickel is used for better corrosion resistance over components that are exposed to harsh environments. Correct selection of a sulfur free chemistry for the Semi Bright first layer , and the correct matching Bright Nickel chemistry are the key to good corrosion resistance within the specified thickness.

Knowledge of CASS testing, STEP test, and porosity testing in Nickel Plate are necessary at QA level.

Good equipment, correct maintenance and understanding of the factors that govern Duplex Plating are key factors that determine repeatably acceptable quality and corrosion resistance.

Asif Nurie [deceased]
- New Delhi, India
With deep regret we sadly advise that Asif passed away on Jan 24, 2016