Among the oldest forms of electrodeposition is nickel plating. With or without a copper strike, nickel has been used for centuries as both a decorative and a protective metallic coating. For the past decades, technology has improved the overall process making it both practical and attractive. Over the years, its importance as a commercial product has also increased. Approximately every year, 150,000 tons are deposited. If nothing else, this indicates its ongoing utility and appeal.
The Appeal of Nickel Plating
Nickel when it is electroplated is appealing. It can catch the eye of consumers. This adds potential value to consumer as well as manufactured goods. The coatings can actually add to the salability of an item by making them look attractive. At the same time, the nickel plating creates an improved product or component.
Nickel plating enhances the physical properties of the metal substrate. It improves their qualities by providing them with
* Wear resistance
* Heat resistance
* Corrosion resistance
These are functional properties sought after by many companies.
Nickel Plating Baths
To obtain the right physical properties requested by the manufacturer, the finishing company may choose one of three potentially advantageous nickel plating baths. The most common of these, particularly for decorative uses is the Watts Bath. The basis for this type of bath is the original formulation developed in 1916 by British physicist Professor Oliver P. Watts (1851–1940). This general bath combines three ingredients: nickel sulphate, nickel chloride and boric acid. They are mixed in proportions dictated according to the requested application. Additives provide the brightness or attractive characteristic suitable for decorative work. The result is:
* Semi-bright nickel coatings.
* Bright nickel coatings.
* Satin nickel coatings
Decorative nickel plating is often chosen for a variety of components including those for the automotive, cycle and marine industries. Others items for which manufacturers may select nickel based on its appearance include appliances, doors furniture, hardware items and jewelry. However, while the choice may be based on appearance, this does not mean the criteria demanded by the standards and the requirements of the manufacturers are not stringent in regards to the overall performance of the product.
While the Watts method may be the most common, black nickel can be also create nickel plating suitable for decorative purposes. Conversely, the Watts Bath can produce functional nickel electroplating. If, however, the focus is on function and not appearance, other baths used include:
* Fluoborate
* Hard nickel
* All-chloride
* All-sulphate
* High sulphate
Nickel Plating: Reliable for its Function and Appearance
For those who seek an inexpensive way to achieve a functional part that has an attractive appearance but possesses excellent resistance to the forces of corrosion, heat and wear and tear, one choice remains popular. It is one of the oldest means of electroplating. This is nickel plating.
