Nickel plate finishes

[weirdo]

I have some parts that have been nickel plated. There is an obvious difference in the shine of the parts from different batches. Some have a bright glossy nickel finish and some from another batch have a duller, almost matte-like finish. What kind of spec can I put on a drawing to control the finish of the nickel plated parts?

Regards,
TheWeirdo

 

[Goahead]

Bright plating additives may or may not be added to plating bathes in order to control the shine. You should possibly define the finish you request, approve samples and freeze the approved process.

http://www.welding-advisers.com/

 

[IRstuff]

Some nickel plates will also have wildly varying hardness as a function of brightness as well. "Shiny" nickel, at least on one project, resulted in nickel-plate so hard that it cracked the underlying substrate during anneal.

TTFN

 

[EdStainless]

Electrolytic or eletroless?
Does it contain P? How much?
You need to narrow things down a bit.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion, every where, all the time.
Manage it or it will manage you.

http://www.trent-tube.com/contact/Tech_Assist.cfm

 

[edrush]

It sounds like a difference in phosphorus content in electroless nickel. You need to specify the phosphorus content and the subsequent heat treatement (if any). These two items will determine the coating hardness of electroless nickel and the resulting appearance.