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Curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
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What is essential to electroless nickel process?
I've an antique camshaft journal which needs to be built up 2 thousandths inch. Electroless nickel looks appropriate, but I can not find the procedural steps.
For a one-shot use do I need all three solution baths that one supplier offers?
retired scientist - Salem, Oregon, U.S.A.
2006
Electroless nickel plating has an expensive learning curve. If not done right the first time, additional baths will be needed. Solutions & equipment are expensive, the EPA and local wastewater permitting process is time-consuming, and the hazardous waste (used baths) disposal costs are high. Plus, lawsuits from neighbors' real and imagined carcinogenic exposures. Perhaps cheaper to buy another car to salvage the camshaft.
Use a professional plater for either hard chromium or EN (baked for adhesion and hardness).
- Goleta, California
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Rest in peace, Ken. Thank you for your hard work which the finishing world, and we at finishing.com, continue to benefit from.
2006
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