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Brighteners for electroless nickel plating

March 24, 2010

We do Electroless Nickel plating. In a new bath we are getting a bright finish. One of my customers wants the same finish all the time even after 4 metal turnovers.
Whether Brighteners are available for Electroless Nickel?
If anyone already tried please give us your feedback?
Thanks

RAJASEKHARAN RAM
- CHENNAI, India

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First of two simultaneous responses -- March 25, 2010

In the USA, most proprietary EN solutions contain brightener in one of the makeup components, so they will stay bright.
If you are using a home brew, you will have to figure out what your brightener component is and what amount to add.
If you are using a proprietary, talk to your vendor and they can provide you with some of the brightener component.
Beware, excessive brightener can seriously reduce the plate speed.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

Hi Raj,
Brightener is available for electroless nickel plating.
Better you discuss this with your Chemical supplier.
Addition of Brightener also will increase slightly.

Better go for a new type of solution, which is having mainly for brightness. this type of solutions are in-built with solution. cost may be slightly high.

Kannan Boopathi
- Salem, Tamilnadu, India
March 26, 2010