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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Problems in chrome plating

2005

We are having problems on nickel coating above copper,problems such as peeling We are using phosphated copper anode

What would be your recommendation?

Thanks

Nesli Wagner
chrome plating - Turkey

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First of three simultaneous responses --

Look at a set of parts and determine if the nickel is coming off of the copper or if the copper is coming off of the parent metal.Then you determine why the activation step for that part of the process is not working correctly.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2005

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Second of three simultaneous responses -- 2005

Hello...
If you use phosphorised copper anode you must be plate acid copper plating under nickel.But if it's true,you are all wrong.If you use acid copper plating before you plate it with cyanide copper.I mean that,it must first cyanide copper after acid copper and finish nickel.The process will be arrange like this.But give me us some detail?For example arrange of process and defect's detail and bath's condition?
I will look forward your answer...
Good Luck...

Alaattin Tuna
- TURKEY

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Third of three simultaneous responses --

Are you doing acid copper with additives? if yes than the problems may be in the acid copper additives. Good filtration of acid copper bath should solve your problem.

If problems comes form cyanide copper deposit than check your acid wash after copper plating.

K. Ramesh
- Mumbai, India
2005

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2005

Peelling problem between nickel and copper layer -
cyanide copper plate then nickel
follow the sequence,
1.cyanide copper plate
2.rinse
3.anodic electrocleaner
4.rinse
5.acid dip ( 2-3% sulfuric acid
6.rinse
7.nickel plate

you did not say cyanide copper plate or acid copper plate ?

Popatbhai B. Patel
electroplating consultant - Roseville, Michigan

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2005

Mr Nesli Wagner

Your letter is so brief it does not give real details and we are left guessing what it really is you have to solve.

Just Guesswork ...but... if the Nickel is peeling off Copper , you can well examine these suggestions...

1)After Acid copper is there a 5 % sulfuric acid dip ?
2) If you buff acid copper , do you electroclean after Buffing ? You know it is needed..
3) If you use acid copper , have you a data sheet from supplier and have you read it and are you adding the additives correctly ? Excess adds of acid copper additives will cause peel off of Nickel after copper..
4) Is the copper bath running too hot and is the bath temperature in excess of say 35 centigrade. ? If so the copper can passivate on removal from plating bath and if there is no acid activation and only a simple water rnse the Nickel will not adhere to the copper.
5) Is the bath composition analysed within supplier data sheet parameters ?

If these help Good luck.

If you wish to contribute more details write in again.
Regards

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