Pitted and Rough Nickel Plate

Possible Cause

Possible Cures

Interrupted current

Check all electrical contacts.

Incorrect anti-pitting agent concentration

Check the surface tension of the bath and add anti-pitting agent as needed.

High iron concentration

Recommended iron concentration limit is 10 ppm or less. Iron can be removed by dummying the bath or raising the ph with nickel carbonate, adding peroxide and filtering. Be sure to adjust pH after treatment.

Low boric acid concentration

Check concentration and replenish if low.

Organic impurities

Peroxide treatment followed by activated carbon and filtration. More than likely your anti-pitting agent will have to be restored to the recommended concentration.

Suspended particulate matter

Filter the plating solution. Check anode bags for tears. Check for tank drops (parts at the bottom of the tank).

Low pH

Tear-shaped pit indicates excess gassing, which is caused by pH less than 2.

Possible Cause

Possible Cure

Suspended particulate matter

Filter the plating solution. Check anode bags for tears. Check for tank drops (parts at the bottom of the tank).

Too-high current density

Adjust current density and check with Hull cell.

Low boric acid concentration

Check concentration and replenish if low.

Low chloride concentration

Check concentration and correct if low.

High pH

Check and adjust using sulfuric acid.