Troubleshooting Nickel

A-Brite: Nickel Brightener

A-Brite Nickel Brightener is a high-quality nickel brightening solution suitable for both barrel and rack nickel plating. It is designed to provide depth, gloss, corner coverage, and chromium plating on nickel surfaces. Additionally, it ensures consistent brightness on nickel surfaces, particularly in medium and low current densities.

A-Brite Nickel Brightener can be applied on both metal and non-metal surfaces, providing high gloss, especially for rack plating.

Solutions Used Together with A-Brite Nickel Brightener

1. A-Brite Nickel Brightener

2. Nickel Base Solution 902

Both solutions are used together, either in a new mix or for replenishment, to achieve optimal coating performance.

Key Features

1. Glossiness: Provides a shiny, reflective surface

2. High Coverage: Excellent at covering rough surfaces

3. Efficiency: Short plating time and supports high current density

4. Chromium Plating Compatibility: Excellent for subsequent chromium plating

Usage Rates (for a New Bath)

• Nickel Sulfate: 270 - 320 g/L

• Nickel Chloride: 20 - 60 g/L

• Boric Acid: 40 - 50 g/L

• Nickel Base Solution 902: 8 - 10 cc/L

• A-Brite Nickel Brightener: 0.1 - 0.4 cc/L

Application and Replenishment Rates

• Nickel Base Solution 902: Enhances solution distribution for better coverage
  Replenishment Rate: 150 - 200 cc/1000 amperes/hour

• A-Brite Nickel Brightener: Controls gloss and brightness, particularly in low current densities and nickel surface coverage
  Replenishment Rate: 100 - 150 cc/1000 amperes/hour

Troubleshooting for Bright Nickel Plating Solution

1. Problem: Burned Appearance on Plated Surface

   • 1.1: Excessive current. Reduce the current.

   • 1.2: Temperature too low. Increase the temperature to 50°C.

   • 1.3: Solution imbalance. Check and correct by sending for analysis.

   • 1.4: Incorrect workpiece hanging method. Adjust the number of workpieces to the correct amount.

2. Problem: Pitted Surface on Plated Item

   • 2.1: Presence of iron or other metals in the solution. Perform a dummy run.

   • 2.2: Boric acid too low. Adjust pH to the correct level.

3. Problem: Rough or Uneven Plated Surface

   • 3.1: Excessive current density. Adjust the current correctly.

   • 3.2: Boric acid too low. Adjust pH to the correct level.

   • 3.3: pH too high. Adjust pH with hydrochloric acid.

   • 3.4: Dust or insoluble substances in the bath. Use a metal remover.

4. Problem: Peeling or Brittle Plated Surface

   • 4.1: Surface preparation before plating. Activate the surface with 5-20% sulfuric acid.

   • 4.2: If the nickel plating has been on for a long time, extend the activation time or re-prepare the surface.

   • 4.3: Excessive current. Reduce the current.

   • 4.4: Presence of iron in the plating solution. Perform a dummy run.

5. Problem: Inadequate or Spotty Plating

   • 5.1: Insufficient current. Increase the current.

   • 5.2: Insufficient brightener. Add more brightener.

   • 5.3: pH too high. Adjust pH with hydrochloric acid.

   • 5.4: Poor current distribution. Check the current flow paths. Clean anode heads regularly in rolling tanks to ensure they are free of adhered plating. Avoid using thick metal hooks in hanging tanks.

   • 5.5: Insufficient plating time. Increase the plating time.