Issue link: http://metalfinishing.epubxp.com/i/49721
Problem Cloudy deposit MCD or HCD Possible Cause 1. Low brightener 2. Low pH 3. Organic contamination 4. Metallic contamination Dull deposit LCD area Cloudy deposit LCD area Poor leveling Poor ductility 1. High brightener 2. Metallic contamination 3. Low carrier 4. High agitation 1. Low brightener 2. Low pH 3. Low index 1. Low brightener 2. Low carrier 1. High brightener 2. Low carrier 3. High pH 4. Metallic contamination 5. Organic contamination Burning 1. Low nickel salts/boric acid 2. High CD 3. Low temperature 4. Low agitation 5. Chromate contamination 6. Metallic contamination Skip plating 1. High brightener 2. Metallic contamination (e.g., Zn, Cd, Pb) 3. Chromate contamination How to Correct 1. Increase concentration of brightener 2. Adjust pH 3. Carbon treatment 4. High pH + carbon treatment 1. "Dummy" solution at 4–5 ASF 2. "Dummy" solution at 4–5 ASF 3. Add carrier 4. Reduce agitation rate 1. Adjust brightener concentration 2. Adjust pH 3. Add index 1. Add brightener 2. Add carrier 1. "Dummy" solution at 4–5 ASF 2. Add carrier 3. Adjust pH 4. "Dummy" solution at 4–5 ASF 5. Carbon treatment 1. Add nickel salts/boric acid 2. Reduce CD 3. Adjust temperature 4. Increase agitation rate 5. High CD "dummy" + high pH treatment 6. High pH + carbon treatment 1. "Dummy" solution at 4–5 ASF 2. "Dummy" solution at 4–5 ASF 3. High CD "dummy" + high pH treatment Bright Nickel: Panels are usually plated at 2 amps for 5 minutes on steel panels. 467