New technology provides excellent adhesion of nickel onto Titanium 6-4 and Titanium 6-6-2

SIFCO Applied Surface Concepts has developed a process to selectively, brush plate adherent deposits onto Ti 6-4 and Ti 6-6-2 to improve the surface properties of localized areas on components for either OEM or repair applications. The technology optimizes the adhesion of the deposit to titanium alloys by effective removal of titanium's passive oxide and micro-roughening to increase surface area.

This micrograph shows a Ti 6-4 Grade 5 base plated with 0.0014" of nickel, followed by 0.014" of copper that is capped with 0.0023" of nickel. Brush plated deposits consistently meet the adhesion requirements of AMS 2451 and ASTM B 571 (bend test method), with no hydrogen embrittlement per GM 3661P.

With an adherent base layer of nickel, many additional deposits can be selectively plated to a precise thickness for:

o Preparation for Brazing

o Improved Wear Resistance

o Improved Corrosion Protection

o Better Lubricity

o Increased Hardness o Increased Conductivity

o Resizing & Refurbishing

These additional deposits can range from soft and hard nickels, to coppers,tin, and zinc, to silver, gold, and platinum

Excellent adhesion is obtained without the use of hydrofluoric acid in the process, or heat treatment after plating.