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Current required for plating nickel?

I'd like to plate nickel onto copper and brass. All the books I've consulted give plenty of formulas for different nickel baths, and I have nickel anodes handy... my books all say 2 to 5 volts is correct for nickel, but none of them mention how much current is required.

I probably don't need much current because the pieces I want to plate are mostly under 10 square inches (most are less than 1 square inch), and I have some working knowledge of transformers and DC filters as part of my experience as a radio ham. I'm convinced it's much easier to build rather than buy a power supply for electroplating, but I need to know the ampere range in order to follow through. Anyone have this sort of info?

Martin Goss
hobbyist - Los Angeles, California, United States
December 2, 2010

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Hi, Martin.

If you want to plate bright nickel, you should plan on 40 amps/sq. ft. If you don't care whether it's bright, there isn't really a lower limit. I know of some precision nickel electroforms fabricated at 1 ASF.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
December 2, 2010

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December 3, 2010

You really need better books. I have never owned one that went strictly by voltage. Hobbyists without resources use voltage and do not understand why battery chargers or welders do not provide good plating.
Nickel plate does not require exotic power supplies the way chrome and some other plating does. It takes whatever voltage to give you the amperage needed.
For long term use, how do you plan to test your solutions?
If you sell the product that you are plating, you are liable for all of the EPA restrictions and reporting. This is a serious pain. Do not believe what some of the kit sellers have in their literature and web sites. They are not liable for the fines, you are.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida