PLATING SOLUTION TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

NICKEL ACID 2080/5600

PLATING SOLUTION OPERATING DATA

Factor 0.00154 Metric 250 U.S.
Average Current Density 0.93 amp/cm² 6 amp/in²
Maximum Current Density 1.40 amp/cm² 9 amp/in²
Voltage Range 8 to 25
Maximum Recommended Usage 30 Amp-hr per liter 114 Amp-hr per gallon
Optimum Anode-to-Cathode Speed 15 MPM 50 FPM
Plating Solution Temperature 52 - 60 °C 125 - 140 °F
Maximum Thickness in One Layer 125 microns 0.005 in.
36 Rc using WTW
Average Hardness
46 Rc using RTW
Plating Rate 600 µm/hr 0.024 in./hr
Metal Content 110 g/l
pH 2.3
Ease of Use Average
Recommended Shelf Life 4 year

PREPLATE REQUIREMENTS
Base Material Preplate
Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
Copper and Copper Alloys
Iron, Steel, Cast Iron
Nickel and Nickel Alloys
Stainless Steel
Zinc and Zinc Alloys 5305

COVER MATERIAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Cotton Batting, Cotton Sleeving, Cotton Jacket, PermaWrap, White TuffWrap, Red TuffWrap, Purple
TuffWrap

GENERAL PLATING CHARACTERISTICS

The Nickel Acid 2080/5600 is a variable factor solution. A certain number of amp-hr will deposit varying
amounts of plating depending on plating conditions, even though the deposit is not burned. The solution,
therefore, must be used properly to get the desired thickness of plating.
Under normal conditions, the solution can be used at room temperature for preplating operations with excellent
results. However, when the solution is used for build-up it should not be plated at room temperature, since it
burns easily, plates slowly, will not plate the thickness expected and will plate deposits bright and highly
stressed. For best results on large parts the work area should be preheated.

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 The solution plates best at temperatures of 52 to 60 °C (125 to 140 °F) and at current densities of 0.93 to 1.4
amp/sq cm (6 to 9 amp/sq in.). Under these conditions:

It is difficult to burn the deposit.

High plating rates are obtained.
The solution plates according to the factor in the manual.
The deposit is at its optimum, i.e. matte, unstressed, and dense.

The volume of solution available, the starting temperature of the solution and the rate of flow can impact the
temperature in the work area and ultimately the quality of the deposit. Insufficient flow with a small volume of solution,
especially when plating at a high current density can result in overheating at the work area. When plating at higher
current densities 0.93 to 1.4 amp/sq cm (6 to 9 amp/sq in.) with solution at approximately 60 °C (140 °F), greater than
expected solution volume or a reduced solution temperature may be required to avoid overheating of the work
area. The solution applies bright and stressed deposits at excessive temperature, i.e. approximately 93 °C (200 °F).

VOLTAGE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEW APPLICATIONS

Start plating at 8 volts with small tools and 14 volts with large tools, and raise in 1 volt increments until burning is first
noted at masked edges or corners. Back off 1 or 2 volts and continue plating. When some heat is developed, raise
voltage slowly until burning is first noted and then back off as above. This process is repeated until the area becomes
hot and the recommended current density is reached.

DESIRED APPEARANCE OF DEPOSIT

Light-gray and milky to matte deposit.

UNDESIRABLE APPEARANCE OF DEPOSIT

Dark-gray or black "burned" deposits. Burned areas will be rough and may lead to nickel flaking from nickel. Burned
deposits are caused by excessive voltage, insufficient speed, and/or low plating temperature.

Corrective Action: Decrease voltage, increase anode-to-cathode speed and/or increase plating temperature.

Bright and shiny deposits. These deposits tend to be applied slowly, are low in thickness, and tend to be stress-
cracked. These deposits are caused by insufficient voltage, excessive anode-to-cathode speed, and overheating or
insufficient heating of work area.

Corrective Action: Increase voltage, decrease anode-to-cathode speed and/or adjust temperature.

REACTIVATION OF DEPOSIT
Visual Test - What you are
Step Operation Material Volts Polarity
looking for:
Electrocleaning No water breaks after following
1 Electroclean 10 to 20 Forward
1010/4100 rinse.
2 Rinse Clean Tap Water ---- ---- No water breaks.
No. 4 Etching and Activating Uniform, light-gray etched
3 Prewet & Etch 8 to 15 Reverse
1024/4250 surface.
4 Rinse Clean Tap Water ---- ---- ----
None. No change in
No. 1 Etching and Activating
5 Prewet & Activate 8 to 15 Forward appearance should be
1021/4200
observed.
6 No Rinse ---- ---- ---- ----
Increase amperage until
Nickel Acid
7 Prewet & Preplate Start at 8 Forward desired current density is
2080/5600
obtained.

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