Micro Plating Inc

Baking in an Inert Atmosphere

Baking in an inert atmosphere is a specialty process completed before or after plating. In this process, parts are heated in an oven filled with a non-reactive gas like nitrogen or argon. This inert atmosphere prevents oxidation from occurring and inhibits other unwanted chemical reactions with oxygen during baking. Micro Plating emphasizes the importance of baking in an inert atmosphere for any parts or molds where maintaining surface quality is critical. These value-added services meet AMS 2404, AMS 2454, AMS-C-26074, ASTM B733, MIL-C-26074, and MILDTIL-32119 standards and are RoHS and REACH-compliant.

Get a Quote

Increasing Nickel Hardness with Inert Baking

When electroless nickel deposits are heat treated above 550F in an air atmosphere, oxidation of the nickel takes place and forms a tenacious oxide film that is indicated by a variation of color from dark gold to deep blue. This oxide film is not easily removed. It will take some hard polishing or other mechanical means to remove this oxidation. To prevent this oxidation from forming, parts are baked in an inert gas atmosphere such as Nitrogen or Argon. A bake in a vacuum will also suffice in preventing severe oxidation. When cosmetic appearance is of importance or the oxide layer may interfere with electrical conductivity, it is recommended you specify the inert atmosphere bake when requesting maximum nickel hardness.

Uses of Inert Atmosphere Baking

Inert atmosphere baking plays a crucial role in nickel plating by enhancing the performance and durability of plated components. It is used for stress relief of high-strength steels before plating, reducing the risk of distortion or failure. After plating, it helps mitigate hydrogen embrittlement in high-strength and high-carbon steels, ensuring structural integrity. A low-temperature bake improves adhesion on aluminum, copper, and steel alloys, promoting a stronger bond between the substrate and the plating. Additionally, a high-temperature bake increases the hardness of the nickel coating, enhancing wear resistance and overall durability.