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Corroding nickel plating

Hi I am Deepak. My question is, I have a mechanism which is mainly steel with nickel plating. This mechanism is exposed. The problem is that it is corroding very soon, This is in desert condition. But I don't know how the case would be near coastal region with salt 6%. Can you please suggest me how to solve this problem. The mechanism is converting vertical applied torque to horizontal torque.

Deepak Divakaran
Product designer - Gothenburg, Sweden
November 22, 2010

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Hi, Deepak.

The nickel plating is not corroding, the steel underneath it is. So the problem is that the nickel plating is not of high enough quality to protect the steel. It is too thin, or it has porosity, or something is wearing it through so the steel is exposed.

You could try nickel chrome plating, electroless nickel plating, duplex nickel plating, or simply thicker nickel plating. Have a sample plated by other shops.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
November 22, 2010

Thanks Ted.

Deepak Divakaran
- Gotenburg
November 29, 2010

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November 29, 2010

Dear Ted,
I have doubt in selecting right plating for stainless steel with following environmental conditions

1. Temperature - 30 deg C
2. Humidity - 80%
3. Salt in air - 6%
4. Need to have wear resistance.

Kindly advice me with right plating for this application

Thanks,

Best regards,
Deepak

Deepak Divakaran
- Gothenburg, Sweden

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Hi, again.

I'm not understanding why you don't use a grade of stainless steel that can withstand this environment -- or are asking for plating that will keep steel from staining or rusting. But automotive quality nickel-chrome plating after a Wood's Nickel strike probably should be considered for your situation.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
November 29, 2010