Galvanic nickel electrolyte for self-nickel plating
Our high-quality electroplated nickel electrolyte has been specially developed for self-nickel plating and may be sold to private individuals without an end-use declaration.
Depending on the material of the workpiece and the detailed nickel-plating procedure, you will achieve the following results:
- reliable corrosion protection through a layer combination such as copper-nickel
- chemically resistant protective layer against diluted acids, alkalis as well as air and water
- diffusion protection for subsequent electroplatings (e.g. diffusion of a base copper layer into the covering gold layer)
- decorative protective coating with a high-gloss surface, which also serves as wear protection.
As an electroplating nickel electrolyte, our product is suitable for bath electroplating as well as for pin electroplating (tampon electroplating). During nickel plating, the magnetic properties of the workpiece are retained and it exhibits a high-gloss silver-like colour with a discreet yellow tone. Just as convincing as the end result is the high deposition rate that the nickel electrolyte exhibits.
If you are nickel-plating a complexly designed workpiece with curves and inner surfaces, we recommend the uncomplicated electroless nickel-plating process.
Electroplated nickel - decorative or protective coating
If a simply shaped workpiece or component is to be provided with a protective layer, we recommend the combination of copper and nickel. In this way you achieve a reliable corrosion protection right away, which you would otherwise only achieve with pure nickel plating with a layer thickness of 25 to 50 µm. Because only from these thicknesses does the coating have the required freedom from pores, as nickel electrolytes always deposit with fine pores.
However, electroplated nickel not only protects against corrosion. The coating, which is easy to apply, is very resistant to dilute acids and alkalis and serves as wear protection.
If several electroplating steps with layers of different metals are planned, an electroplated nickel electrolyte can be used as a barrier layer. In this way, you prevent diffusion or colour mixing of different layers. For all processes, it is irrelevant whether you use our nickel electrolyte for bath electroplating or pin electroplating (tampon electroplating).
For decorative plating, the combination of bright nickel and chrome is ideal for reliably achieving flat surfaces, although pure bright nickel plating may be sufficient depending on the application.
Application instructions for our Free Nickel nickel electrolyte (bright nickel)
The high-performance Free Nickel Nickel Electrolyte is preferably processed at room temperature (range from 15 to 60 °C). It is suitable for all common metals, semi-precious and precious metals with the exception of aluminium, chrome and titanium.
If you plan to nickel-plating stainless steel yourself, please be sure to use our Nickel Strike for pre-treatment to increase the adhesive strength.
Before galvanic nickel plating, clean the workpiece particularly thoroughly. Remove rust completely and degrease the part, e.g. with isopropanol. Be sure to work with clean disposable gloves to avoid transferring skin grease to the workpiece.
A nickel anode is particularly recommended - this gives a very high range, as the nickel is permanently enriched.
Please pay attention to the following recommendations, depending on the electroplating method used.
Parameters (these may vary, please test):
- tank plating: 2,5-10V (approx 5-6V recommended at 10cm distance)
- brush plating: 6-12V (approx 8-9V recommended)
- current density: 0.3-1A/dm² (up to 3A/dm² with bath movement)
- working temperature: 15-60°C
- pH-value: approx 3,5-4,5 (can be corrected with e.g. 10% sulphuric acid)
- deposition rate: approx 0.3µm/min at 1A/dm² and 20°C
If the specified parameters are adhered to, a shiny and uniform nickel layer will form on the component.
Marking of the mixture:
Free-Nickel
(contains nickel sulfate, nickel dichloride, nickel bis(sulfamidate), nickel sulfamate, nickel di(acetate), diammonium nickel bis(sulfate))
Signal word: Warning
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.
H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
P102 Keep out of reach of Children.
P103 Read carefully and follow all instructions.
P261 Avoid breathing dust/vapours/spray.
P280 Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection.
P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
P333+P313 If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
P501 Dispose of contents/container according to regional/national regulations. Do not discard with household waste.
