Barrel nickel plating process

27 Mar.,2025

Barrel nickel plating process is a plating technology specializing in the mass production of small parts, which can deposit a layer of nickel plating on the surface of the parts to improve the corrosion resistance, hardness and aesthetics of the parts

 

Author: Anna

Roller nickel plating process is a plating technology specializing in the mass production of small parts, which can deposit a layer of nickel plating on the surface of the parts to improve the corrosion resistance, hardness and aesthetics of the parts. The following is the detailed process and principle of the rolled nickel plating process:

 

Principle of the electroplating process of rolled nickel plating
Roller nickel plating process is based on the electrochemical principle, in the electrolyte containing nickel ions, the nickel ions are reduced to nickel metal by applying electric current and deposited on the surface of the substrate. The process involves the transfer of current, the reduction of nickel ions and the deposition of nickel metal.

 

Electroplating Process Flow for Roller Plated Nickel

 

Pre-treatment:
Chemical degreasing: Remove grease, dust and other contaminants from the surface of the parts.
Hot Water Wash: Wash parts in hot water to remove chemical degreasers.
Countercurrent Water Wash: Wash with running water to ensure a clean surface.Activation Treatment:
Activation: Treats the surface of the part with a specific chemical solution to improve the adhesion of the plating.
Roll Plating:
Load Parts: Small pre-treated parts are loaded into the drum.
Energizing: The parts inside the drum are pressed against the cathode conductor by their own gravity to ensure that the current can be transmitted smoothly.
Drum rotation: The drum rotates at a certain speed and in a certain direction, and the parts are rolled inside the drum so that the surface of the parts comes into uniform contact with the electrolyte.
Electrolyte: The electrolyte containing nickel ions is continuously circulated and renewed through small holes in the wall of the drum to maintain the freshness of the electrolyte.
Plating Deposition: Under the action of an electric current, the metal ions are reduced to a metallic coating on the surface of the part.
Post-treatment:
Cleaning: After plating is completed, the surface of the part is cleaned using water or other solvents to remove residual electrolyte.
De-oxidize: Remove any oxide film that may have formed on the plated surface.
Passivation: Use chemical methods to form a passivation film on the plated surface to improve corrosion resistance.
Countercurrent rinsing: Cleaning using flowing water again.
Neutralization: Use of an acidic or alkaline solution to neutralize residual chemicals.
Pure Water Rinse: Parts are cleaned using pure water to ensure a clean surface.
Sealing: An optional step that uses a chemical solution to form a protective film on the plated surface.
Drying: Removes moisture from the surface of the part to prevent oxidation and corrosion.
Influencing Factors
Current Density: Determines the deposition rate and quality of the plated layer.
Electrolyte Composition: Includes nickel salts, acids, buffers, additives, etc., which affect the nature of the plated layer.
Temperature: affects the crystallization quality of the plating layer and the stability of the plating solution.
pH value: affects the stability of the plating solution and the nature of the plated layer.

 

Characteristics
Mass production: Suitable for the production of large quantities of small parts.
Uniform plating layer: By rotating the rollers, a more uniform plating layer can be obtained.
Flexibility: A wide range of nickel alloys can be plated.
Cost-effective: Compared to rack plating, barrel plating is more suitable for cost-sensitive applications.

 

Areas of application
Automotive parts: e.g. screws, nuts, fasteners.
Electronic components: small metal parts.
Furniture hardware: hinges, handles and other decorative hardware.
Architectural hardware: screws, bolts, etc.

 

Rolling nickel plating process is a very effective surface treatment technology, widely used in many industries, especially for small parts that need corrosion protection and improved appearance quality. If you need more detailed information or have other questions, please feel free to ask.