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

Nickel free brass plating process

Hi,

I was wondering if there is a nickel free brass plating process for plating brass, aluminum and copper pieces. We make products which have various components made by different processes, some are forged, some are die cast while other are either sand casted or sheet based. Once we lacquer them, due to different composition of copper and zinc used in the raw material the color of the final pieces looks different. We are interested in a plating process which would make them all look the same in shiny brass.

On the other hand I have heard of people using dyes and pigments in lacquer to achieve the same result, if anyone could please give me details on the same.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Joshi
manufacturer - New Delhi, Delhi, India
2004

---

I think you are asking if there is any substitute for nickel when plating a brass finish onto brass, aluminium or copper. If so, the answer is perhaps. When plating aluminium you need to use a zincate process to ensure good adhesion and this usually requires a nickel layer on top of it. However, I believe there are copper systems that can be used in place of the nickel. As far as plating brass onto brass and copper, you should be able to get away with a cyanide based bright copper. However, it all depends on the end-use of the product - if it is in jewellery, then you must avoid nickel as it will not be allowed into Europe. If you just want a replacement for nickel, you may want to consider using white bronze.

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2004