Standard Practice for Preparation of Nickel for Electroplating with Nickel

1.1 This practice summarizes well-known, generally practical methods for producing adherent electrodeposits of nickel on nickel.

1.2 Electrodeposits of nickel on nickel are produced, for example, to improve the performance of decorative coatings, to reclaim electroplated parts that are defective, and to resume nickel electroplating after interruptions in processing. Interruptions may be deliberate, for example, to machine the electrodeposit at an intermediate stage in the electrodeposition of thick nickel coatings. The interruptions may be unintentional, for example, resulting from equipment and power failures.

1.3 To ensure good adhesion of nickel to nickel, precautions should be taken to avoid biopolar effects during nickel electroplating. This is of particular importance in return-type automatic plating machines where one rack follows another rack closely. Bipolar effects can be avoided by making the racks cathodic while they are entering or leaving the nickel tank. Separate current control on entry and exit stations is desirable.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.