During the process of using nickel plating brightener, if the process is unreasonable and the water quality is poor, it is likely to cause the plating solution to be contaminated by impurities, which will affect the quality of the coating. As an electric plating plant technician, it is necessary to understand the influence of various impurities on the performance of the plating solution and the coating. This way, when facing faults, one can handle and resolve them in a targeted manner.
Aluminum ion
Aluminum ions are a harmful impurity in the nickel plating solution when the pH value is higher than 4.2. At this point, they form aluminum hydroxide suspensions or precipitates. The suspended aluminum hydroxide adheres to the surface of the nickel coating, thereby forming pinholes and pockmarks.
The method to remove aluminum ions is as follows: Raise the pH value of the nickel plating solution to 5.0 using nickel carbonate, and then filter to remove them.
Calcium ion
The preparation of the general nickel plating solution (with the addition of nickel plating brightener) and the replenishment of water when the liquid level is low usually use tap water, while few electroplating factories use deionized water.
However, if there is a high concentration of calcium ions in the water, then when the liquid temperature is increased (for bright nickel plating, the temperature needs to be 50-65℃ for normal production), the calcium ions can quickly combine with the sulfate ions in the plating solution to form insoluble calcium sulfate.
Calcium sulfate can have a negative impact on the performance of the coating (such as affecting the brightness of the coating, etc.). Therefore, the nickel plating solution should not be prepared using water with high hardness like well water. If the water source only contains water with high hardness, it is best to use deionized water instead.
Conclusion
When some electroplating factories undertake large-scale orders for nickel electroplating, they are prone to encounter problems such as pinholes in the coating. At this time, due to insufficient production experience, they tend to suspect that the brightener is the cause of the problem. After making adjustments, they find that it is not the case. However, they are unable to solve the problem and instead waste time, resulting in the production being forced to be suspended.
As a manufacturer of nickel plating brighteners, Bigely believes that the causes of electrical plating process failures are often not singular. It is necessary to comprehensively consider various related factors in order to effectively resolve the problems. Therefore, when an electroplating factory uses Bigle's products, we will arrange engineers to provide technical support. When customers encounter production issues, they can promptly get solutions.
About us
Guangdong Bigely Technology Co., Ltd. ,founded in 2003, is a high-tech enterprise integrating R & D，production, sales and service, specializing in the production of electroplating chemicals. As a fast growing electroplating chemicals supplier in China, Bigely has over 20 years' experience in electroplating additives production and own production base of 5000 square meters. We can produce 15,000 tons of electroplating additives every year, which can fully meet the needs of customers.
If you need our high-quality electroplating additives, please contact us. We can provide you samples for test, and also provide a series of services.
