Topic: Stripping Nickel
Hi, Im just getting into electroplating fun. I do Anodizing and hard chrome.
Whats the best way to strip Nickel plating from brass?
The parts are worn, and i will be hard chroming them for better wear resistance.
Ken
Re: Stripping Nickel
You can strip nickel from copper-based alloys several ways. An electrolytic stripper made from sulfuric acid and either copper sulfate or glycerin (or both) can be used with care not to leave the parts in too long or they may etch. You can also use any of the numerous immersion strippers, many of them based on the Metal-X brand powders. Recently, I have seen increased interest in 2-part immersion strippers. Contact your local chemical vendor and see what they have.
-Dustin Gebhardt,
CEF
Plating Engineer
Danaher Tool Group
Gastonia, NC
CEF
Plating Engineer
Danaher Tool Group
Gastonia, NC
Re: Stripping Nickel
I want to post a few replies to this thread:
1. There is an immersion acid formulation of sulfuric, phosphoric and nitric that will work, but as indicated by Dustin, you want to watch for any etching or pitting. Do not introduce ANY water into this formulation, if this can be avoided. Electrolytic strippers are not preferred, but will also work.
2. Have you considered re-activating the nickel and electroless nickel plating the parts. This would offer increased wear and corrosion resistance. It is an option as opposed to stripping the parts.
3. The proprietary strippers do work, and most all chemical distributors (including myself) carry a stripper that will accommodate you.
4. Dustin, you are working way too hard my friend, 4 a.m. in the morning. You must have been having cyber-breakfast with my Partner, geez. You are going to be FTalk Forum Member of the Year!!! Thanks and keep it up.
P.S. And most importanty, this post was dircectly related to stripping nickel from brass. Do not apply this information when stripping other metal coating from other substrates without contacting your technical service representative or other qualified individual. You would not want to destroy a machined part, if it can be avoided.
Thanks and see you all in Indy!!!
Skelton
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Re: Stripping Nickel
Skelton,
My time stamp was still setup for Yuma, AZ time. It was behind by 3 hours or so. Working at 4AM? I don't think so. ;-)
-Dustin Gebhardt,
CEF
Plating Engineer
Danaher Tool Group
Gastonia, NC
CEF
Plating Engineer
Danaher Tool Group
Gastonia, NC
Re: Stripping Nickel
Thanks.
I wasnt sure if it was a simple dip in an acid,like hard chrome or more involved. I will get onto my supplier for the correct chemicals.
Ken
