Semi-bright nickel process and bright nickel plating process are two different plating technologies. Although both involve plating a layer of nickel on the surface of the substrate, they have obvious differences in practical application, mainly in terms of gloss, process parameters, usage and performance. The following is a detailed comparison and description of the two:
1. Gloss:
Semi-bright nickel process: The plated layer has a medium gloss and does not achieve a high mirror effect, but rather a uniform and soft luster. This is achieved by controlling the organic additives in the plating solution and the process parameters.
Bright nickel plating process: Using Bigely bright nickel plating brightener, the surface of the plated layer can reach mirror brightness, high gloss, with good decorative effect. Bright nickel plating retains its high luster even after a long period of use.
2. Process parameters:
Semi-bright nickel process: Requires relatively low levels of organic additives and the bath usually contains a small amount of semi-bright nickel additives to give a semi-bright coating. The process is relatively simple to operate, with relaxed requirements for bath temperature and current density.
Bright nickel plating process: nickel plating brightener is added more, through the complex composition regulation and strict control of temperature, current density and other process parameters to ensure that the high brightness of the plated layer. Regular monitoring and adjustment of the composition of the plating solution is required to maintain the quality of the plated layer.
3. Usage:
Semi-bright nickel process: Due to its luster and good uniformity, it is often used as an intermediate layer in multi-layer plating, e.g. in the ternary nickel-chromium plating process, the semi-bright nickel layer can be used as a base layer to provide a good substrate for the subsequent bright nickel or chromium plating. Suitable for applications requiring medium gloss and high corrosion resistance, such as tools and machine parts.
Bright nickel plating process: Due to its high brightness and excellent appearance effect, it is widely used in occasions that require high decorative and aesthetic appearance, such as automobile parts, home appliances, electronic product shells and some consumer product decorative parts.
4. Performance:
Semi-bright nickel process: Denser plating with good corrosion and abrasion resistance, generally with fewer surface defects. Stresses within the coating are low, making it suitable for applications requiring high adhesion strength.
Bright nickel plating process: Bright nickel plating not only has a bright appearance, but also has very good wear resistance and corrosion resistance, but the internal stress is high, some applications may need to use heat treatment and other measures to reduce the stress.
Conclusion
Both nickel plating processes have their own advantages, and the selection of the appropriate process needs to take into account the application environment, performance requirements and appearance needs of the final product. If the bright nickel plating process is used, and there is a requirement for the brightness of the plated layer, it is necessary to use Bigely nickel plating brightener to obtain a mirror bright plated layer, which can meet the customer's order requirements.
If you have any demands for nickel plating brightener, please feel free to contact us.
