In the electroplating industry, proper control of additives in nickel baths, especially nickel plating softeners, is crucial to ensure the quality of the nickel layer. A moderate amount of additives can optimize the brightness and toughness of the nickel layer, however, an excessive amount of softener can lead to a series of problems, such as increased brittleness and stress concentration of the nickel layer, and can even cause cosmetic defects and decreased adhesion. As a result, determining whether the amount of softener in the nickel plating bath is appropriate becomes a critical step in the plating process.
To determine whether there is an excess of nickel plating softener in the plating bath, the first step can be to use chemical analysis to determine the specific concentration of softener in solution. In addition, some clues can be provided by observing the appearance of the nickel layer. For example, if the nickel layer appears excessively dark, cloudy or cracked, this may indicate a high concentration of softener. In some cases, excessive amounts of softener may also have caused excessive grain refinement during crystallization, reducing the hardness of the nickel layer.
Further, physical property tests, such as tensile tests and flexural tests, may be performed as a means to assess the ductility and toughness of the nickel layer. If the nickel layer exhibits greater flexibility than expected, this may also be a sign of an excess of softener.
For electroplating plants, it is essential to establish standard operating procedures (SOP) and regularly take data obtained from nickel deposition rate tests, brightness tests and other methods mentioned above to compare with the standard parameters to effectively control the concentration of softeners in the plating bath. This ensures product quality and reduces production costs.
When using Bigely nickel plating softeners, the amount of softener should also be adjusted according to the recommendations of Bigely technical engineers. Of course, quantitative laboratory analyses should also be included in the regular quality control process in order to maintain the consistency and reliability of the nickel layer quality.
If you are interested in nickel plating softener, please feel free to contact us.
