selective nickel plating

[opticsman]

Hi I have a block of metal that i want to electrolessly nickel plate but one face only. I want to precisely coat that face right up to its edges. I wonder if any can advise me what i can use to coat/protect the other faces to make them non conductive. Adhesive tape has been suggested but i am worried that it could peel off during plating. Also because there are fine grooves on these faces tape may not sit down that flat. When plating is done, the coating I use must be easy to remove and not lodge in the fine grooves. i was considering a paint some sort or curable silicone . because it will no doubt spill over the edges, I was hoping i could lightly sand or machine back when cured it to get the sharp edges I need . I hope i have explained the problem ok and would appreciate your suggestions. Many thanks in advance opticsman

 

[kclim]

What if you plated the whole piece, then protected the surface you want to remain plated while etching the rest off?

 

[opticsman]

Hi Thanks. Thats an idea. How do you etch nickel ( not my area) ? Also can you remove nickel evenly this way?

 

[jedward]

Printed circuit board fabrication often use a pink colored "platers tape" that is used to protect surfaces during processing. it removes easily and would fill the small surface features. do no know a source for same.

talk to the nickel platers. I have had good success with plating beryllium and had reasonably good edge conditions

can you clean up the edges post plating?

 

[TVP]

Definitely talk to your plating vendor about masking options. Silicone is one option, tape is another, custom-made plastic/elastomer is also a possibility. Check out the Caplugs website for more info:

http://www.caplugs.com