Common problems and solutions of electroless nickel plating

Due to its excellent corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and weldability, chemical nickel plating has been widely used in fields such as aerospace, petrochemicals, mechanical molds, electronic communication, transportation, medical treatment, etc. However, there are many issues to pay attention to during the process of chemical nickel plating. Below, Jiechang Electroplating will analyze common chemical nickel plating problems and solutions.
What is the reason for the slow (or no) deposition of electroless nickel plating? How to solve it?
1. The concentration of stabilizer is too high. Replace some of the plating solution.
2. The surface is not activated. Improve pre plating pickling and activation methods.
3. The matrix is non catalytic. Pre plating surface catalytic treatment, flash nickel plating, dipping palladium, etc.
4. The pH value and temperature of the plating solution are too low. Adjust with dilute NaOH and raise the temperature to the normal range.
5. Other metal ion contamination. Remove impurities or replace some of the plating solution.
What is the reason for the roughness of the electroless nickel plating layer? How to solve it?
1. Suspended insoluble substances in the plating solution. Filter by rotating the tank, check the filter element, and identify the source of particulate pollution.
2. Insufficient cleaning before plating. Improve the cleaning process.
3. The pH value is too high. Adjust the pH value to normal with 10% sulfuric acid.
4. The aqueduct or filter element is contaminated. Filter by rotating the tank, clean the plating tank or replace the aluminum core.
5. The concentration of the complexing agent is low. Reduce losses and check and supplement adjustments.
6. Process water pollution. Use qualified deionized water.
7. The workpiece remains magnetic and undergoes demagnetization treatment before plating.
What is the reason for the formation of pinholes in electroless nickel plating? How to solve it?
1. Suspended insoluble substances in the plating solution. Filter by rotating the tank, check the filter element, and identify the source of particulate pollution.
2. The slot load is too large. Reduce loading capacity.
3. Organic pollution. Treat nickel plating with activated carbon.
4. Metal ion pollution. Large area false plating to remove impurities or replace part of the plating solution.
5. Insufficient mixing. Improve the mixing method and select workpiece mixing.
What are the reasons for missed plating during the chemical nickel plating process? How to solve it?
1. Metal ion pollution. Large area false plating to remove impurities or replace part of the plating solution.
2. The influence of base metal (such as lead-containing alloys). Flash nickel plating before plating.
3. Nickel plating is too stable (excessive metal ion stabilizer). Large area false plating removal or replacement of some plating solution.