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Can Nickel plating on aluminum part be welded at 220 °C ?

We need to Nickel plate an aluminum part that will be soldered at 220 °C (reflux), for 1 minute, can this be done? What will be the best process to obtain such a finish. The part is an aluminum plate, I don't know if it is extruded aluminum. I've heard of the typical process, with a double zincate, but then an alkaline electroless nickel, is this the right way to go?

Please advice, and thanks for your help

Sergio Hernandez
- Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
2005

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Yes it can.

Regards

Anders Sundman
4th Generation Surface Engineering
Consultant - Arvika,
Sweden
2005

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Anders,

Thanks for your answer, could you elaborate a little ?

The part is made of Aluminum 3003-H14 and we require to apply a 0.0001" to 0.0003" thickness Electroless Nickel.

What will be the best process for this application?

Thanks for your help

Sergio Hernandez
- Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
2005

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Sergio,

Aluminium from 3000 series contains magnesium so you must use a sulfuric acid dip at last step before zincate. Did the zincate in two step there you dissolves the first zincate films. On Aluminium alloys who contents magnesium will in nitric acid build a film who are hard to removing from the substrate, in sulfuric acid this film changes to a easier film to remove. To get a better adhesion heat treatment after you have plate the aluminium in temperature to 190-200 °C for 1 hour.

Regards

Anders Sundman
4th Generation Surface Engineering
Consultant - Arvika,
Sweden
2005

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2005

Anders,

Thank you for your help.

We'll try your suggestions.

Best Regards

Sergio Hernandez
Job Shop - Guadalajara, Mexico