Smoky Nickel
€11.90*
Available, delivery time: 1-2 days
Product information "Smoky Nickel"
Product Information Betzmann Electroplating - Black Nickel Electrolyte
Our black nickel electrolyte for galvanic blackening of metals
This new black nickel electrolyte conjures a dark to black surface directly on stainless steel, brass or copper!
polish surface if necessary degrease and activate
Black nickel plating from 3 volts optimal with platinum electrode!
Like all nickel electrolytes, this one is not suitable for coating metals worn on the skin!
A special surface sealing is not necessary. Temperature resistance up to approx. 200 degrees!
In many cases, a base layer of normal nickel is recommended for components made of the metals mentioned for long durability, especially on copper and its alloys in outdoor applications. This increases the corrosion resistance and leads to better results. For this bright nickel layer we recommend the normal nickel Free.
Before applying the Smoky Nickel, prepare the component with great care to achieve the best results. This includes, above all, thorough cleaning and absolutely grease-free surfaces. Therefore, remove all impurities such as dirt, flash rust and the like and use for our electrocleaner! Wear protective gloves already during the degreasing process to prevent skin grease from being deposited on the component.
The black nickel is suitable for use in bath electroplating as well as for pin electroplating.
The following anodes are suitable for the smoky nickel:
Nickel anodes
Graphite anodes
Platinum anodes
Stainless steel anodes permitted for pin electroplating
For plating, the anode is switched to positive and the workpiece to negative.
Observe the formation of gas bubbles closely during the electroplating process. If too many gas bubbles rise on the workpiece, the voltage must be reduced. This also applies if an intense black coloration appears in places. If no deposition occurs, the voltage is too low and must be carefully increased. All in all, deposition is slower with black nickel electrolytes than with normal nickel electrolytes.
Wear appropriate protective clothing throughout the process and ensure good room ventilation.
Parameters (these may vary, please test):
Bath electroplating: 2-8V (approx. 3-5V recommended).
Pin plating: 6-10V (approx. 6-8V recommended)
Current density: 1-5 A/dm²
Working temperature: 15-50°C
pH value: approx. 4-5 (can be corrected e.g. with citric acid or sulfuric acid)
Deposition rate: approx. 0.5μm/min at 2.5A/dm² and 20°.
Blackness L* (CIE Lab measurement): 42-47
Operating Conditions and Deposit Data
Voltage Range 2.5 – 4.0 volts
Temperature 18 – 40 °C
Nickel Concentration 74 g/l
Electrode Platinum (see notes)
Blackness L* (CIE Lab measure) 40 – 45
Plating Rate at (3.5 volts, Platinum electrode)
Approx. 0.5 micron per minute (spot)
Hardness 450 – 480 MPa (Vickers)
Density of deposit 8.5 g/cm3
Stress High stress
Special storage requirements None
Shelf life Over 5 years
Health and Safety classification Harmful
Special considerations None Transport (UN number) None: Not classified as dangerous for transport
Notes: A gold flash layer will be needed when plating smoky nickel onto stainless steel. Plating rates are calculated over a sample area which is permanently covered by swab. It is possible to gold plate directly over a smoky chrome layer.
HS Code: 3824 99 70