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Walt's Nickel Strike?

September 10, 2008

Good Day,

I work for a small supply firm and here is what I got from a customer the other day: "I've got some 630-174PH or ASTM A564 and I need a Zinc/Nickel 12% with Condition H1100. Should I use Cold Plating or a Walts Nickel Strike?" I told him I would look into it which is my first mistake...the two local platers I use just stared at me with the same confused look I gave my customer.

I'm almost wondering if this customer was having some fun with me...is this an actual request a plater would get? I understand the ASTM A564 -G630 but everything else is Greek to me.

Adam Lawson
Supply firm employee (middleman for platers) - Vancouver, Canada

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First of three simultaneous responses --

What you have been asked for is a 12% nickel balance zinc alloy plate. For 17-4PH material, I would use a nickel strike under it, but would use a WOOD'S nickel strike, not a WATTS' strike. The reason is for better adhesion of the alloy plate. The strike is not a requirement for some steel, but it is for stainless steels and I include 17-4 in that category.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
September 12, 2008

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Second of three simultaneous responses --

I doubt if he's having fun with you.

Although you'd have to wonder why he'd ask for a plating that has less general corrosion resistance than the 17-4PH stainless steel itself.

As to which process to use for the first layer, I'll shut up and leave that part of your enquiry to the platers.

Bill Reynolds [deceased]
consultant metallurgist - Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
We sadly relate the news that Bill passed away on Jan. 29, 2010.
September 12, 2008

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Third of three simultaneous responses --

are you sure it wasnt 'watts nickel'? or woods nickel ?
I've never heard of walts !

Jay Smith
- Essex, UK
September 14, 2008

The 630-174PH is a stainless steel alloy, usually used as a tool steel I think. The H1100 refers to the specific heat treatment for the alloy. The Walts Nickel Strike should probably be a Watts Nickel Strike, a very common nickel bath. A zinc/nickel alloy can certainly be plated, and a watts strike would be advised prior to the alloy. I did not check the specific ASTM specs that were noted but you can look those up.

Kurt Sammons
- Inman, South Carolina
September 15, 2008