TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

GINPLATE NI - 426
LOW PHOSPHORUS, HIGH HARDNESS ELECTROLESS NICKEL PROCESS

Ginplate NI-426 is uniqe high performance, low phosphorous electroless nickel process designed for
functional engineering applications. The Ginplate NI-426 is highly stable, multiple speed plating
process that produces a semi-bright deposit.

Deposits of Ginplate NI-426 have very high as-plated hardness values (650 to 700 HV 100) similar
to those of electroless nickel-boron and provide superior wear performance compared to other
electroless nickel-phosphorous deposits. Coting of Ginplate NI-426 are compressively stressed through
more than 6 metal turnovers.Thus, these deposits are uniquely suited for many engineering
applications. In addition Ginplate NI-426 has a high melting temperature (~2200 degrees F.) Which
adds to its functionality for many applications including those requiring improved erosion resistance.
The high hardness, low stress, high melting temperature and improved conductivity, make Ginplate
NI-426 ideally suited for electronic component applications that require solderability, brazing, or
welding capabilities.

Ginplate NI-426 is an extremely versatile multiple speed plating process that can be operated over
a wide temperature range (60 to 85ºC). High speed, lower speed, as well as low temperature operation
are all possible with the Ginplate NI-426 process. Thus, Ginplate NI-426 can be used for electroless
nickel plating of various plastics without substrate deformation. The excellent stability of Ginplate NI-
426 eliminates plate-out problems over extended periods of process operation.

The Ginplate NI-426 process chemically deposits a uniform nickel phosphorous alloy and is capable
of plating a wide variety of substrates. These includes carbon and alloy steels, copper alloys, stainless
steels, titanium alloys, aluminium alloys as well as certain non-conductors such as plastics and
ceramics.

Ginplate NI-426 meet MIL-C-26074B and AMS 2404B specification.

Ginplate NI-426 can be supplied as three seperate liquid concentrates. Ginplate NI-426A and NI-426B
are used for make-up of a new bath; Ginplate NI-426A and NI-426C are used for replenishment.
Ginplate NI-426D can be used instead of NI-426C for low workload situations (< 0.6 dm2/l).

FEATURES OF THE GINPLATE NI - 426 PROCESS

High As-Plated Hardness (58 to 62 Rockwell C)

Superior Wear Resistance

Low Phosphorus Content

Excellent Erosion Resistance

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High Melting Temperature (~2200 ºF.)

Compressively Stressed Plate

Wide Temperature Range Of Operation

Excellent Stability

Effective Low Bath Loading Performance

Easily Soldered With RMA fluxes

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
TYPICAL RESULT
Phosporous content, wt. % 1 to 3
Melting Temperature Range ºC 1003 to 1204
Coefficent of Thermal Expansion, u/m/ºC 10 to 15
Thermal Conductivity, cal/cm/sec/ºC 0.0105 to 0.013
Electrical Resistivity
microhm-cm 20 to 30
As-plated 10 to 20
Heat treated, 400º C
Magnetic Properties Slightly Magnetic
Hardness
Vickers hardness HV100
100g load, 3.0 mil deposit, steel
@ 82ºC., pH 6.2
As-plated 650 to 700
Heat treated @
4hr., (177ºC) 750 to 850
1hr., (400ºC) 950 to 1050
Wear Properties
Taber Abraser Wear Test
Taber Wear Index (TWI)
wgt. loss mg./1000 cycles
As-plated 2 to 4
Heat treated @
1hr., (400ºC.) 1.5 to 2
Falex Wear Test
mg. wgt. loss 10 to 20
Corrosion Related Properties
Salt Spray Test *(ASTM B117), (35ºC)
5% NaCl,1.0 mil deposit, hours to first corrosion spot
2023 Aluminium 96 hours
1010 Carbon Steel 96 hours

* ASTM test is performed on a flat panel. More complex or roughed parts may show initial spotting
in fewer hours. ASTM B117 salt spray test and only effective as a screening tool to show the
difference afforded by alternative processes. It is not however, a quantitative corrosion test.

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SOLUTION MAKE-UP
MAKE-UP ADDITIONS
Ginplate NI-426A 100 ml/ltr.
Ginplate NI-426B 100 ml/ltr.
Ginplate NI-426C or *
Ginplate NI-426D
Deionized or Distilled Water 800 ml/ltr.

* Used for chemical Replenishment Only

To make up the required amount of operating solution, proceed as follows :

1) Rinse tank thoroughly with deionized or distilled water.

2) Partially fill tank with deionized water

3) Add required amounts of GINPLATE NI-426 A and GINPLATE NI-426B with air or mechanical
agitation and fill to working volume with the deionized or distilled water.

4) Heat solution to 82ºC. IMPORTANT : Check solution pH before plating and adjust to proper
operating pH with dilute (50%) ammonium hydroxide. Use of potassium carbonate for pH
adjustment is not recommended. The Ginplate Ni-426 process normally makes up at a pH below
that required for plating. If pH adjustment is not made step plating,hazing, or non-initiation of
the work may result.

OPERATION

Bath Parameters Typical Range Optimum Value

Temperature, ºC 60 to 85* 87
pH 6.1 to 6.4 6.2
Bath Loading dm2/l 0.60 to 2.45** 1.25
Nickel Concentration g/l 5.2 to 6.0 5.8

* Operating temperature can be as low as 600C. for special applications.

* * Ginplate Ni-426 can also be used in low bath loading situation (< 0.6 dm2/lit.)

Plating : After proper preparation, parts to be electroless nickel plated are simply immersed in the
Ginplate Ni-426 solution for the required time to obtain the desired thickness.

Agitation : The Ginplate Ni-426 should normally be operated without air agitation, but with sufficient
solution agitation produced by continuous filtration. For most production operations this should be a
minimum of 6 to 10 tank turnovers per hour. Work rod agitation can also be used. Air agitation normally
should only be used to insure complete mixing of replenishment chemicals. Very mild agitation can
be used in certain cases.

Temperature : Faster plating rates are obtained at higher temperatures. However, the Ginplate Ni-
426 process will yield good plating rates at lower temperatures. Do not maintain the solution at
operating temperature if work is not being processed. This will cause breakdown of the reducer and
stabilizer components. Heating the bath above 91ºC is not recommended.

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Filtration : Continuous filtration is recommended. Smooth deposits require continuous 5 micron filtration
medium, preferably gravity feed bag-type units. If continuous filtration is not feasible the solution must
be cooled at the end of the of the working period, then batch filtered through a 3 micron filtration medium
before beginning the next day’s work. Even with continuous filtration,the tank and filttration equipment
require periodic stripping with 30% nitric acid followed by water rinse and a final deionised or distilled
water rinse with a small amount of either ammonium hydroxide or potassium carbonate.

pH Adjustement : pH may be adjusted upward by additions of dilute (50%) ammonium hydroxide,

sulfuric acid, 10% by volume, may be used to lower pH.Make all additions slowly with constant
stirring.pH measurements should be made only after good agitation (and consistent bath temperature)
to assure equilibrium concentration of the bath.Narrow range pH papers, such as Pehanon are
recommended for checking pH at the tank side.Electrometric pH meters are recommened for accurate
measurement of pH. In this case, the buffer and solution temperature must be equal before testing.

PERFORMANCE
Typical Results

Plating Rate, mil/hr. 0.6 to 0.8

(85ºC.)
Solution life Turnovers* 8 to 12
Steel
Aluminium

with NH4OH to adjust pH 5 to 6

with GINPLATE AL-100 barrier coating 8 to 12
Coverage
mil ft2./gal.
5 metal replenishments 13.68
10 metal replenishments 27.12

* A metal turnover occurs when the original concentration of 5.8 g/l nickel metal has been
replenished.

REPLENISHMENT
Bath replenishment (see table below) is based on the percent nickel activity of the bath. An analysis
procedure for nickel and hypophosite is available from Growel upon request. This analysis is required
to determine the replenishment amounts of GINPLATE NI-426A and NI-426C or NI-426A and NI-426D.
One complete metal turnover (5.8 g/l) requires 0.10 litre each of GINPLATE NI-426A and NI-426 C
or 0.10 gallon each of GINPLATE NI-426 A and NI-426 D for bath replenishment for every litre of
operating solution.

To maintain an optimum plating rate and allow for ease of replenishment, it is advisable that
the nickel metal concentrations not drop below (5.3 g/l).

For optium results in rack or mixed rack and barrel plating, the bath should be replenished with
equal volumes of GINPLATE NI 426A and NI 426-C or GINPLATE NI 426-A and NI-426 D as
directed above.

Maximum recommened additions (at any one time)should not exceed 10 percent of the original
metal content of the bath. If additions greater than 10 percent are required, they should be
accomplished incrementally between workloads.

All replenishment additions should be done with good solution agitation. Additions should be away
from the work rather than directly over the parts.

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One metal turnover is when 5.8g/l of nickel metal has been plated out of solution for every
gallon of operating solution.

REPLENISHMENT ADDITIONS :

% Nickel g/l NI-426 A NI-426 C

Activity (As Nickel Metal) (ml/ltr.) or NI-426 D
(ml/ltr.)
100 5.8 ---- ----
95 5.5 6 06
90 5.2 12 12
85 4.9 18 18
80 4.7 24 24
75 4.4 30 30

0.8 GINPLATE NI-426 0.9 GINPLATE NI-426

PLATING RATE VS pH PLATING RATE VS TEMP
PLATING RATE, MIL/HR

0.8
0.7




0.7





0.6 PLATING 0.6


RATE, MIL/HR
0.5

0.5 0.4
TEMP @ 820C

0.3
PLATING TIME @ 30 MIN


0.4 WORK LOAD @ 1.6 dm2/lit 0.2

0.1
0.3 0.0
5.8 6.0 6.2 6.4 6.6 6.8 140 150 160 170 180 190 200
pH TEMP F

CALCALATION FOR REPLENISHMENT ADDITIONS OF GINPLATE NI-426A AND NI-426-C

(0r NI-426 D)*

Typical examples for GINPLATE NI-426A and NI-426C :

Activity percentage is determined by nickel analysis and exact percentage activity is not
listed in table.

Factor 0.10 is given.

Replenishment is with equal volumes of GINPLATE NI-426 A and NI-426C.
(100% -Nickel Activity) x (Tank Volume) x(0.10) = Gallons of GINPLATE NI-426A and NI-426C
to be added.

Sample Calcutation When :

Activity percentage is 81 percent based on nickel analysis.

Tank Volume is 100 gallons.
(100% -81%) x (100 litres)x (0.45) = 8.55 litres of GINPLATE NI-426A and NI-426C to be added
* When using GINPLATE NI-426D instead of NI-426C the same replenishment calcution
may be used for the NI-426D as used for the NI-426C.

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STRIPPING

Metstrip EN-79 and Metstrip EN-86 are non-cyanide, alkaline strippers utilizing advanced technology that
dissolves electroless nickel deposits up to 5 mils thick from steel by immersion. These products are
particuraly effective in removing low and high phosphorus content deposits that could be difficult to remove
with other strippers. The expected stripping rate will range from 0.4 to 0.6 mil/hr. Solution life will vary
depending upon method and condition of operation, but should hold nickel metal at the level of 15 to
30 g/l of Metstrip EN-79 or Metstrip EN-86.

Metstrip EN-79 and Metstrip EN-86 are also effective in stripping electroless nickel deposits from
copper and copper alloys.

Proper cleaning of the part is required before stripping. Reactivation of the deposit surface with 50%
HCl is recommened for parts which are carbonized and oxidized due to storage or extended services.

SOLDERABILITY

Soldering to Ginplate NI-426 can be effectively accomplished in a fully active flux. Ginplate MH-
320V(water soluble) and Ginplate MH-820V (rosin flux) have been found effective in this regard. Direct
soldering to electroless nickel is difficult, particularly as the deposit ages and forms oxides on the
surface. If direct soldering is derised, this should be done as soon as possible after plating.

EQUIPMENT

Plating units normally used for hot acid electroless nickel solutions are suitable for use with GINPLATE
NI-426 solutions. A complete information pacakge on equipment for electroless nickel plating is
available from GROWEL on request. Included is information on GROWEL’S Electroless Nickel Plating
Tanks, EN Series Electroless Nickel Controllers, and Ion exchange System for removal of nickel from
electroless nickel rinses.

Disposable 8 to 12 mil thick PVC tank liners are recommened to prevent the deposition nickel plate
on stainless steel tanks. These liners are available from GROWEL. Continuous anodically passivated
stainless steel may also be used. Polypropylene tanks or polypropylene-lined tanks are recommened.
Steam Teflon Supercoils or Type 316 Stainless Steel Electric Immersion Heaters that are properly
grounded with “over temperature” hazard protection and/or a low liquid level device are recommened.
In-tank filtration is recommened. Clean, low-pressure air agitation through bottom-mounted CPVC or
polypropylene pipes is highly recommened.Clean air, free of oil and dirt is required;shop air should
not be used.

Exhaust ventilation is recommened to remove steam and solution mist which are caused by agitation
or gassing of the solution and which may contain nickel salts. The bath should be kept covered when
it contains no work and is at or near operating temperature.

WASTE TREATMENT

Operting solutions of Ginplate NI-426 contain nickel and are acidic. Before disposing of the spent
solution, the nickel should be removed and the pH adjusted to the regulated limits. A customer bulletin
is available from Grauer & Weil (India) Ltd. detailing nickel removal. Be sure to consult local agencies
with regard to regulations concerning pH limits and nickel bearing sludge disposal.

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PRECAUTIONARY INFORMATION

WARNING : Ginplate NI-426A, NI-426B, NI-426C NI-426D may cause severe irritation or burns.

HAZARD : Ginplate NI-426A is an acidic solution of nickel sulfate which may cause severe irritation
or burns of skin or eyes (sensitivity to nickel may caues nickel itch).Ginplate NI-426B, NI-426C and
NI-426D contain ammonium hydroxide and may cause severe irritation or burns of skin or eyes. Heating
of the dried salts of Ginplate NI-426B, NI-426C, NI-426D or the operating solution to temperatures
over 475ºF may produce toxic and flammable phosphine gas. Contact with the operating solution may
cause severe irritation or burns due to the elevated operating temperatures.

FIRST AID : In case of contact of Ginplate NI-426A, NI-426B, NI-426C, NI-426D or the operating
solution with skin or eyes, flush immeditely with cool, clean water for at least 15 minutes, for eyes
get immediate medical attention. If swallowed get immediate medical attention. Remove and wash
contaminated clothing before reuse.

HANDLING INFORMATION :

Always wear chemical safety goggles, face shield, rubber gloves,respirator, and protective clothing
when handling GINPLATE NI-426 A, B, C, D, and the GINPLATE NI-426 operating solutions. Exhaust
ventilation is recommened to remove mist or vapours that may be generated during makeup and
operation. Wash thoroughly after handling.

CONTAINER INFORMATION :

Keep container tighly closed. Store indoors in a cool dry area from incompatible materials (See MSDS).
Loosen closure cautiously when opening. Do not reuse container. Wash before disposal. Improper
disposal or reuse of container may be dangerous and illgal.

REFER TO MSDS FOR FURTHER SAFETY AND HANDLING INFORMATION.

Issued on : 14.01.2006
Supersedes all earlier

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