EN On Cobalt Tungsten-Carbide
Question: Can you deposit electroless nickel on a 5-10% cobalt tungsten carbide part?
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Question:
Can you deposit electroless nickel on a 5-10% cobalt tungsten carbide part? I have tried a number of different methods with no success. Can you suggest a method for doing this? Thank you, in advance, for your advice. B. K.
Answer:
Your e-mail does not state what methods you have tried, but I think the process that will most likely work involves using a Wood’s nickel strike. A formulation for the Wood’s nickel strike is as follows:
| Component | Concentration |
| Nickel chloride | 30 – 34 oz/gal |
| Hydrochloric acid | 14 – 18 oz/gal |
Run this strike bath at ambient temperature and 30-150 asf. Immersion time is in the range of 1-4 minutes. The process cycle should be as follows:
1. Alkaline clean
2. Electroclean
3. Acid dip (50% hydrochloric acid)
4. Wood’s nickel strike
5. Electroless nickel
Good rinsing is required between each of these steps.
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