Semi-bright nickel plating is a very common type of nickel coating in the plating industry, which is intermediate between bright nickel and non-glossy (matte or dull nickel), and is intended to provide a surface coating that meets certain mechanical and industrial performance requirements while also having a certain aesthetic appeal. Typical characteristics of semi-bright nickel include a more uniformly smooth surface and a moderately light-reflective gloss, but not as highly reflective and mirror-like as bright nickel.
The luster of a semi-bright nickel layer results from the specific chemical components and operating conditions in the plating bath. Semi-bright plating solutions typically contain lower concentrations of brighteners and semi-bright nickel additives than bright nickel. These additives accelerate the co-deposition of nickel and create a smooth and slightly shiny surface. Gloss control also requires accurate control of current density, nickel salt concentration, pH and other process parameters such as temperature and agitation speed during plating.
In many industrial applications, the plating from the semi-bright nickel plating process is used as an intermediate layer to provide adequate protection while providing a good base for the upper plating layers, such as bright nickel or chromium layers. Such double or multi-layer plating systems enhance the corrosion resistance and mechanical strength of the overall plating. Semi-bright nickel layers are particularly good in terms of corrosion resistance, as their microcrystalline structure effectively slows down the penetration of corrosive media.
Compared to bright nickel, semi-bright nickel layers typically exhibit better toughness and adhesion, making it more suitable for applications where good impact and wear resistance is required.
The use of Bigely semi-bright nickel plating process results in a coating with good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, which often serves as a base layer for other plating layers (such as bright nickel and decorative chrome layers), and is used in a wide range of applications in automobiles, electrical appliances, industrial equipment, and consumer electronics to provide protection, fine-tune the appearance, and improve the overall durability of the product.
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