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Want info on Hanson-Van Winkle-Munning (HVWM) Nickel Plating Bath from 1950

I am looking for information on an old, old Hanson-Van Winkle Munning nickel plating bath. I believe the bath was called their 9H bath. The bath contains, nickel sulphate, nickel chloride, boric acid, cobalt sulphate (presumably as a brightener) and formaldehyde. The only information I have been able to find on this formulation is that it was considered obsolete in 1950. I am particularly interested in learning more about the operating conditions for this bath and what are the control parameters for the bath. Yes, this bath is still in use at a company I recently visited!

Art Kushner
Anaheim, California
2007

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First of two simultaneous responses --

I think that the cobalt sulphate serves three purposes. First, it retains desirable properties at higher temperatures than nickel. Second, it serves to lighten the tanish color of nickel to a more chrome like color. Finally, it is quite a bit harder than nickel , as plated.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2007

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Second of two simultaneous responses -- 2007

I, too, am old enough to remember the old cobalt brightened nickel plating bath, but I cannot find any old records. As a green Sel-Rex Salesman, I sold the Seymore Cobalt brightened nickel to a clock manufacturer who found it useful to withstand the "staking" of some of the shafts that went between the two clock plates. Meanwhile cobalt brighteners which deposited lower stress deposits has been left behind and clocks have all gone to China.

If bright and ductile is what you really need, try sulfamate nickel with saccharin. The old Sel-REx company sold it as Lectro-Nic S, but I do not know what Enthone would call it. If you cannot find it, just use sulfamate nickel ankd add your own saccharin.

Robert H Probert
Robert H Probert Technical Services

Garner, North Carolina

Most of the metallic nickel brighteners I have been around are based on cadmium/cobalt combinations. Control of the metallic additive would depend on its concentration (varied for different proprietary formulations). I have also come across a formulation in some old notes from the 50's. It is: Nickel sulphate 48 opg, Nickel Chloride 6 opg, Boric Acid Cobalt sulphate 1 opg.

Gene Packman
- Great Neck, New York
2007

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2007

James, Robert, Gene,

Thanks for your quick responses. I have two quick follow-on questions: (1) Can you think of any advantages of this old H-WV-M bath over a modern nickel plating bath? (2) Formaldehyde is considered a "bad actor". Are there any advantages to using a bath with formaldehyde compared to a modern nickel bath?

Art Kushner
Anaheim, California

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2007

There are a number of differences in the operating parameters that have kept metallic brighteners in use in the far east and in some shops in the US that process parts primarily for the jewelry industry. They are:
1. High barrel loading
2. Does not require filtration
3. Excellent lcd coverage and brightness
4. Reduced cost
5. Easy to use
Note: Many shops have used Epson Salts as a secondary brightener.

Gene Packman
- Great Neck, New York

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Hi
was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of a lab, that can test my 9H (Hanson- Van Winkle) nickel bath. I would need results and recommended adds to keep my bath in good operating ranges.
Thanks

Bernie Hamlin
Colonial Bronze - torrington , Connecticut
August 11, 2010

Ed. note: Sorry, this RFQ is old & outdated, so contact info is no longer available. However, if you feel that something technical should be said in reply, please post it; no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?)