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Laser weldable QQ-N-290 Ni plating

2001

I am working with a FED-QQN-290 (replaced by AMSQQN290) spec. nickel plating process and am trying to optimize this process for hermetic laser welding (YAG). Typical substrate materials include 6061 Al, stainless steel, Kovar, and alloy 42. Nickel plating thickness usually varies from 50-250 microinches. Our experience has been that sometimes QQ-N-290 Ni plating is very laser weldable and sometimes it is not, regardless of substrate or thickness. I need help determining what the key control characteristics for a laser weldable QQ-N-290 plating bath should be. Are anti-pitting agents (brighteners) going to affect weldability, etc...?

Any help, experience, or direction that you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Alan Davis
- Wenatchee, Washington, USA

Any brightener added to the electrolyte will cause problems with welding. Wetting agents should not cause problems unless the concentration is extremely high. I would suggest a straight nickel sulfamate.

Russell Richter
- Danbury, Connecticut, USA
2001