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Article: PLATING CLINIC.(questions and answers - nickel on steel, ammeters, plating stainless steel)(Brief Article)
- Article from:
- Products Finishing
- Article date:
- July 1, 2000
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2000 Gardner Publications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Electroless Nickel on Leaded Steel
Q. We are plating leaded steel, 12-L-14, with electroless nickel (mid-phosphorous bath). Three or four days after processing, the parts are showing "pockets" of staining. This staining only shows up on the leaded steel parts. What is going on?
G.S.
A. This is a problem that seems to show up all the time. In fact I have commented on the problem a number of times in the last 4 years. The lead (0.15-0.35% by weight) is added to the steel to enhance machinability of the steel. The lead smears on the surface during machining and tends to act as a lubricant. Use of a "standard" cleaning cycle does not remove all of ...