Why Does Nickel Sulfate Quality Matter in Electroplating?  

As far as we know, when Nickel Sulfate is used in electroplating, Fe and Cr impurities can affect coating adhesion, corrosion resistance, and pitting. Therefore, most Nickel Sulfate manufacturers pay close attention to controlling Fe and Cr, and Fairsky is no exception. We control Fe below 2 ppm and Cr below 1 ppm. 

How Does “NH4+” Affect Coating Brightness? 

However, besides coating adhesion, coating brightness is also an important factor in determining the quality of electroplating. So, which parameter affects brightness? Do all suppliers control it? The answer is “no”. As we know, most suppliers do not include “NH4+” as a test item in their COAs.

In a Watts bright nickel plating system (Nickel Sulfate + Nickel Chloride + Boric Acid),“NH4+”is an impurity that needs to be strictly controlled.

When the “NH4+” concentration in the plating bath reaches 1 g/L, brightness will be affected. At 5 g/L, coating brightness drops noticeably, and the coating may even lose its bright appearance.

Where Does “NH4+” Come From?

So, where does “NH4+” come from? How we can do to avoid the “NH4” in Nickel Sulfate?

“NH4+” impurities usually originate from the production process. During the purification of crude Nickel Sulfate, using ammonia to remove impurities or ammonia water to adjust the pH may introduce “NH4+”, which can remain in the final product. And Fairsky strictly prohibits both methods to prevent “NH4+” ions from being introduced.

FAIRSKY Nickel Sulfate COA

Please refer to Fairsky's COA on the right. 

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