Bright nickel offers smooth, bright deposits even on dull and uneven substrates

Bright nickel offers smooth, bright deposits even on dull and uneven substratesKeywords:Shipley, Electroplating, Nickel, Deposition

Shipley Europe Ltd reports that it is launching a new version of its Spectronal nickel electroplating process, incorporating Spectra LBN-99 brightener. The new formulation claims good throwing power and excellent deposition characteristics even in low current density recesses, and is thought an ideal base for post-plating with bright chromium.

Suitable for a wide variety of decorative plating applications, from jewellery to bathroom fittings, the new Spectronal is reported to achieve smooth, bright nickel plating, even on dull and uneven surfaces, with a deposit of just five microns. Process benefits claimed include reduced materials cost and better product quality consistency.

The Spectronal process uses a conventional Watts base solution of nickel sulphate 300g/l, nickel chloride 50g/l and boric acid 50g/l. Operating temperatures are 55-65°C, ensuring that conversion from other nickel-plating processes is straightforward.

According to Shipley, the new Spectra LBN-99 additive, a powerful brightening agent, ensures Spectronal achieves such good results. The brightener is added in small concentrations at make-up, up to a maximum of 0.8ml/l, to improve levelling. For most applications, the optimum recommended dose is 0.5ml/l. Up to 12ml/l of wetting agent may also be added to prevent pitting in installations with poor agitation.

The Spectronal nickel electroplating process is said to be simple to operate and can be used with both rack and barrel equipment with minimum maintenance. Designed for use with bright chromium post-plating, the process can also be optimised for gold and silver applications.

Details available from: Shipley Europe Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 24 7665 4400; Fax:+44 (0) 24 7665 4458; E-mail: infouk@shipley.com