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Electroless plating to smooth surface finish

Hello,

I have a metallic part with a very complex geometry. I was hoping to smooth the surface of the part using some sort of electroless plating. I believe that nickel plating is the most common, are there other electroless solutions available, such as copper etc.? The metallic part I have is unsuited to conventional surface finishing techniques because of its complex geometry. The surface is slightly textured so I am hoping that the electroless deposition will tend to smooth out the surface. Is this a realistic possibility?

Can electroless solutions be purchased off-the-shelf in hardware or DIY stores or do I need to locate specialised suppliers? Any help or guidance would be appreciated.

Regards,

Daniel Tanner
Research Assistant - London, UK
2004

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Plating chemicals are not available in hardware stores, but they are 'off the shelf' at plating supply distributorships. However, unless you have a well-equipped wet lab (in fact, even if you do), it may make more sense to farm out the plating step.

However, I don't think electroless plating will do what you are seeking. Although there are 'self-leveling' electrolytic nickel plating baths, I am dubious that that will help either. Take your part to a plating shop for a conference.

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