Can I plate tin directly to 304 stainless?

I have an old print that requires 0.011" thick, 304 stainless, with a woods nickel flash, then electroplated with .00008 - .00024 Tin with 2% to 3% lead electroplate. Is the woods nickel flash or strike necessary? What will be the results if we don't strike?

Rob Withrow

2006

No, you can't skip the Wood's Nickel. The result would be virtually zero adhesion. Electroplated coatings must grow on active metal, whereas stainless steel immediately passivates. The Wood's nickel is a way of simultaneously attacking/removing that passive layer while depositing a fresh nickel layer.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
April , 2006

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: