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NICKEL PLATING OF RECORD LACQUERS ... CRACKS IN LACQUER

I have recently taken over as the electroplater in a record pressing plant, making the stamps used to press the records. The lacquers are coated with silver, then nickel plated up to a reasonable thickness for strength, at which point the metal is peeled from the lacquer. This can be used a stamp, or further copies can be made from it. My problem is that, on an apparently random basis, at some point in the process the lacquer cracks into a crazy-paving pattern. This pattern of cracks shows up in the metalwork, and of course in any records subsequently pressed from it. Bath temperature and chemistry are, as far as I can see, within acceptable limits. Anyone out there with experience in this field? Not a large industry now, I admit, but hopefully there is someone out there who can help me.
Thanks in advance,

Mike Jones
vinyl record producer - London, England
2005

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What type of lacquer are you using? I have used PVA based lacquers in the past and I know they have a defined shelf life. The cracking is due to them being too hard and failing due suffering a shock or stress. This may be due to being over baked or overcured. I would suggest that chemical attack of the lacquer is unlikely, especially if the solutions and conditions are in specification. Perhaps more details of your materials and process would be advantageous.

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2005

We did suspect something like this might be the case, as the state of the lacquer does seem to vary quite a lot. Unfortunately, not all lacs are cut in-house, many customers supplying us with work that was cut elsewhere. As a result we do not have much control over what we are trying to plate. I will try and find out which makes of lacquer are softest ( newest? ) so that I can at least make a recommendation to our customers. Thanks for your help :)

Mike Jones
- Ilford, Essex, UK
2005

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July 20, 2011

When I read about your problem there are some question to be answered:
1. after silvering, do you use preplating first?
2. what is the temperature of the nickelbath,
3. is it sulphate or sulphamate
4. during plating is there movement of the object,
for instance is it rotating
6. what is the current you apply during the first hour of plating
7. do you have a special treatment prior to silvering?
8. Is your plating fluid in top condition does it not contain copper or iron even small amounts are causing internal stress
9. what is the amount of nickel sulphate or sulphamate,
the amount of nickel chloride and boric acid in the plating
solution
10 what kind of nickel anode do you use.

That's it for now kind regards Geoff

Geoff Leijenaar
- Javea Alicante Spain