Nickel & Zinc Cyanide

Description

  • Substitute non-cyanide Nickel and/or Zinc baths in place of those containing cyanide
  • Discontinue use of cyanide

Advantages / Limitations

Acidic bath (contains cyanide)
  • Plates faster, at twice the efficiency of the alkaline bath
  • Produce 10-15% nickel alloys
  • Plate distribution varies across current density range
  • Nickel content in the deposit may be higher in low-current density areas
  • Avoiding cyanide eliminates the need for cyanide destruction reducing disposal costs
Alkaline bath (non-cyanide)
  • 20-40% efficient
  • Produces uniform thickness and nickel distribution in the deposit across low- and high- current density areas
  • Deposit has good ductility and has been successfully used on parts requiring post plate forming
  • Alkalinity of the bath reduces corrosion tendency of un-plated surfaces such as internal areas of tubular parts
  • Non cyanide baths require more maintenance and are less forgiving

Resources