Nickel strike makes steels and stainless steels suitable for electroplating
Nickel strike was already used as an electrolyte in the 1890s. Today, nickel strike is indispensable in electroplating to prepare high-alloy stainless steels and steels for electroplating. This is because the oxides present on the surface of high-alloyed metals impair the adhesive strength of the coating applied by means of bath electroplating or pin electroplating / pad electroplating. Therefore, pre-treatment with nickel-strike is necessary.
How nickel strike works
Pre-treatment with nickel strike prepares the surface for subsequent coatings. Nickel-strike is suitable for galvanic and electroless treatment. It etches the surface of the workpiece, dissolves the contained chromium and creates a base layer of nickel in the course of this reaction. This micro-thin nickel layer now forms a reliably strong adhesive base for further coatings.
Ideally, you apply an intermediate layer after the treatment with impact nickel and before the final coating of the workpiece. This consists of copper or electroless or galvanic nickel. It is irrelevant whether the coating is applied by means of bath electroplating or pin electroplating / tampon electroplating.
Areas of application for nickel strike
The nickel strike process covers a very wide range of applications. In addition to the pretreatment of high-alloy steels and stainless steels, a wide variety of non-ferrous metal alloys also require this pretreatment. These include above all alloys with silicon, magnesium, manganese, lead, tungsten or titanium.
Already nickel-plated objects that are exposed to air over a longer period of time lose the typical properties of the coating. These are then so-called passivated nickel layers, which a dip in Nickel-Strike reactivates.
Nickel-Strike for galvanic and electroless application
Nickel-strike is suitable for all electroplating processes from bath electroplating to pin electroplating / pad electroplating as well as for the electroless process.
Fields of application:
Before use:
Remove grease and oil particularly thoroughly by using alcohol. Remove dirt and rust with appropriate tools. Only touch the object with disposable gloves and in this way reliably prevent the transfer of skin grease to the surface.
Galvanic process (with power supply):
Anode bath electroplating: Graphite, nickel or platinum anodes.
Anodes Pen electroplating / pad electroplating: Graphite, nickel or platinum anodes, alternatively stainless steel anodes possible.
Parameters (these may vary, please test):
- tank plating: 1.5-4.5V (approx. 2.5-3V recommended at 10cm distance)
- brush plating: 2.5-5V (approx. 3V recommended)
- current density: 8.5-25A/dm² (up to 50A/dm² with bath movement)
- working temperature: 20-50°C
- deposition rate: approx. 0.03µm/min at 10A/dm² and 20°C
- pH value: 1
Attention:
with stainless steel: anode to positive pole - workpiece to negative pole
for nickel: anode on negative pole - workpiece on positive pole
Treat the workpiece with the pin plating or the immersion method for about 10 to 60 seconds. Rinse the workpiece briefly afterwards. Process objects made of aluminium immediately to prevent renewed oxidation.
Electroless process (without power supply):
Put the electrolyte into a suitable vessel and heat the beating nickel to a temperature of 35 - 50°C. Now place the object to be coated in the immersion bath for 0.5 - 3 minutes and then rinse briefly. Please immerse aluminium objects at room temperature for a maximum of 0.5 - 1 minute!
Optionally, you can use the pick-up at room temperature. In this case, however, take into account the longer dwell time in the immersion bath.
To prevent renewed oxidation, objects treated with Nickelstrike should be processed within 10 - 30 minutes. In the case of aluminium, immediate further processing is necessary.
Caution: Always use gloves and protective goggles and do not inhale the vapours / aerosols. Use only in well ventilated areas!
Labelling of the mixture:
Nickel-Strike
(contains hydrochloric acid, nickel bis(sulfamidate), nickel di(acetate), nickel dichloride, nickel sulfate)
Signal word: Danger
H290 May be corrosive to metals.
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.
H335 May cause respiratory Irritation.
P102 Keep out of reach of children.
P103 Read carefully and follow all instructions.
P260 Do not breathe dust/vapours/spray.
P280 Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection.
P301+P330+P331 IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
P333+P313 If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P310 Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor.
P501 Dispose of contents/container according to regional/national regulations. Do not discard with household waste.
EUH071 Corrosive to the respiratory tract.
