High-speed deposition for reel-to-reel plating
The new palladium nickel electrolyte PALLUNA® ACF-100 has all the technical advantages of other electrolytes - but without the smell of ammonia. The deposited layers are ductile, crack-free and resistant to abrasion. Furthermore, PALLUNA® ACF-100 has the cost benefit on its side: With comparable contact properties to those of hard gold, the palladium-nickel layer is by far the less expensive alternative.
PALLUNA® ACF-100 is a high-speed electrolyte, free of ammonia and chloride, for depositing a bright palladium-nickel-alloy in reel-to-reel lines (selective dipping, jet plating, brush plating) and in tabplaters.
Depending on the operation conditions, the electrolyte deposits alloy coatings with approx. 80 % of Pd. The alloy composition is largely independent of the current density. Electrolyte maintenance without ammonia and chloride. Breakdown products could be removed by carbon treatment easily. Continuous carbon treatment is feasible.
A brightener specially developed for PALLUNA® ACF-100 enables analytical electrolyte control. Thus, the increased requirements for new quality standards and stricter guidelines such as IATF 16949 can also be mapped by a compliant process control.
Electrolyte characteristics
Electrolyte type Free from ammonia and chloride
Metal content 15 g/l Pd 16 g/l Ni
pH value 5.5 at 60 °C
Operating temperature 60 °C
Current density range Up to 70 A/dm²
Plating speed Up to 15 μm/min
Anode material MMO (type PLATINODE® 187 SO)
Coating characteristics
Coating Palladium-Nickel
Alloy composition 80 wt.% Pd 20 wt.% Ni
Colour of deposit White
Brightness Bright
Hardness 500 - 550 HV
Max. coating thickness 10 μm
Density of the coating 10.8 g/cm³
Elongation Approx. 5 %
Bendability 2 μm crack-free
Advantages
Free from ammonia and chloride
No smell nuisance by ammonia gas
Reduced corrosion of equipment
Long lifetime of anodes
Ductile coatings
Constant alloy composition
Reliable analysis and electrolyte control
Applications
Electrical contacts for Connector Industry
Hardgold replacement
