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'Dust' on the components in Acid Copper Tank

I run a plastic(ABS) electroplating company, using Electroless Nickel as the pre treatment. Lately, my components have started getting "DUST" which cannot be felt, but only seen as small dots in large numbers.... in the Acid Copper Plating Tank. What could be the reason and the remedy of this problem.

Thanks,

Rahul Kakkar
quality inspector - New Delhi, Delhi, India
2004

Q. I run a plastic(ABS) electroplating company, using Electroless Nickel as the pre treatment. Lately, my components have started getting "DUST" which cannot be felt, but only seen as small dots in large numbers, over major parts of the components.... in the Acid Copper Plating Tank. I have installed a filter of 10 microns. What could be the reason and the remedy of this problem.

Rahul Kakkar [returning]
quality inspector - New Delhi, Delhi, India

A. Chloride contamination in your Copper Bath. Probably the water.

Khozem Vahaanwala
Saify Ind

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

A. How do you plate your part? Are you using any clamp to clamp your part? If yes, ensure there is no clamp plated because these will fall into tank, dissolves and leaves tiny particles suspended in your bath. This will be attracted to your product and later feel as a sandy or dust on surface.

Hazrul
- Malacca, Malaysia
2004

A. Mr Kakkar,

If the problem persists please:

1) Filter over Kiesulght filter aid.
2) Switch to a proprietary electroless nickel .
3) Ensure that the proprietary acid copper you use is balanced and no excess / shortage is dosed.
4) Are your Anodes dissolving correctly , or are they pitted with craters.
5) Is the chloride level up to mark per data sheet ? Sulfuric ?
6) Check for Nitrate in the sulfuric acid used .
7) Are you maintaining recommended temp ?
8) Do you use any cellulose materials in the bath or filter ?

Check these points.

Regards,

Asif Nurie [deceased] [deceased]
- New Delhi, India
With deep sadness we acknowledge the passing of Asif on Jan 24, 2016