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Use of Electroless Nickel for Rubber Mold

October 28, 2011

Hi all,

I have searched through the letters in this forum, but could not find any conclusive answer on the use of Electroless Nickel (EN) on mold for rubber. If it has been answered before, pardon me for bringing it up again!.

From what I gather so far:
1. Natural Rubber:
- some respondents claimed that EN will cause perfect adhesion of the rubber to the mold.
- some respondents believed that EN and EN-Teflon composite is suitable.
- some website claimed that EN and EN-PTFE will not work on natural rubber.

2. sulfur treated rubber:
- all respondents claimed that EN based system is not suitable for this application.
- a website claimed that EN coating coupled with PTFE top-coat will work.

3. non-sulfur treated rubber:
- most respondents informed EN, EN-Teflon system are suitable. No problem with the rubber part sticking to the mold.

From all the responses, The current consensus seems to be that:
1. EN system will WORK on non-sulfur treated rubber
2. EN system will NOT WORK on sulfur treated rubber
3. Divided opinion on the suitability of EN system on natural rubber.

Appreciate if I can get some comments on this matter.

Best Regards,

Davin Kort
Plating Shop - Jakarta