PRC-5004 - REV - C Nickel Plating

PRC-5004 Rev.
Process Specification for

Electrodeposited Nickel Plating
Engineering Directorate
Structural Engineering Division
October 2004
National Aeronautics and

Space Administration
Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

Houston, Texas
Page 1 of 5
PRC-5004 Rev. C
Process Specification for Electrodeposited

Nickel Plating
Prepared by:
Julie A. Henkener, Date
Materials and Processes
Branch/ES4
Approved by:
Brad S. Files, Acting Chief Date
Materials and Processes
Branch /ES4
REVISIONS
VERSION CHANGES DATE
Baseline Original version 5/14/96
A Typo on p. 3, formatting, and increased bakeout for steel alloys 7/14/98
B Changed EM2 references to ES4, reviewed for accuracy 6/2004
C Updated specification reference to AMS-QQ-N-290 10/2004
Page 2 of 5
PRC-5004 Rev. C
1.0 SCOPE
This process specification establishes technical requirements for the application

of electrodeposited nickel plating on steel, copper and copper alloys, and zinc
and zinc alloys.
2.0 APPLICABILITY
This process specification applies to the electrodeposition of nickel plating on

substrates of steel, copper, zinc, and their alloys.
3.0 USAGE
This process specification shall be called out on the engineering drawing by

using a drawing note that identifies the process specification, the class, and the
grade (if applicable). For example:
NICKEL PLATE PER NASA/JSC PRC 5004, CLASS 1, GRADE D.
The two classes of electrodeposited nickel plating are:
Class 1 Corrosion protective nickel plating (0.0002-0.0016 in. thick)
Class 2 Engineering nickel plating (>0.002 in. thick)
Class 1 plating is used to protect iron, copper, or zinc alloys against corrosive
attack in rural, industrial, or marine environments, which varies depending on the
thickness of the nickel deposit. It may also be used as an undercoat for a
chromium plating or for aesthetic purposes.
Class 2 plating is used primarily for wear resistance, abrasion resistance, and
incidental corrosion protection. Heavy deposits of Class 2 plating, such as those
produced by the Watts bath process, may be used for build-up of worn or
undersized parts.
Class 1 nickel plating shall be one of the following grades, as-specified on the
engineering drawing:
Grade A 0.0016 in. thick Grade E 0.0006 in. thick

Grade B 0.0012 in. thick Grade F 0.0004 in. thick
Grade C 0.0010 in. thick Grade G 0.0002 in. thick
Grade D 0.0008 in. thick
Page 3 of 5
PRC-5004 Rev. C
The default thickness for a Class 2 nickel plating is 0.003 in. If a different
thickness is desired, it must be 0.002 in. or greater, and it must be specified on
the engineering drawing.
3.1 WORK INSTRUCTIONS
Work instructions shall be generated for implementing this process specification.

The work instructions shall contain sufficient detail to ensure that the
manufacturing process produces consistent, repeatable products that comply
with this specification.
4.0 REFERENCES
The following references were used in developing this process specification:
SOP-007.1 Preparation and Revision of Process Specifications
JSC 8500C Engineering Drawing System Requirements
The following document is called out as an extension of the requirements given

in this specification:
AMS-QQ-N-290 Aerospace Material Specification/Nickel Plating

(Electrodeposited)
5.0 MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS
The materials used shall meet the requirements of AMS-QQ-N-290.
6.0 PROCESS REQUIREMENTS
All electrodeposited nickel plating shall be applied according to the requirements

of AMS-QQ-N-290 with the following exception:
All steel parts which have a hardness of Rockwell C40 and higher shall be
subjected to a hydrogen bakeout procedure immediately following plating. The
parts shall be baked at 375 +/- 25F for a minimum of 23 hours to provide
hydrogen embrittlement relief.
7.0 PROCESS QUALIFICATION
Not required.
Page 4 of 5
PRC-5004 Rev. C
8.0 PROCESS VERIFICATION
The process verification shall include visual examination, adhesion tests, and
thickness measurements, as-specified by AMS-QQ-N-290A In addition, steel
parts shall be tested for hardness. All steel parts having a hardness of Rockwell
C40 or higher shall be baked out within 4 hours of the plating process at a
minimum of 375 +/- 25F for a duration of 23 hours or longer for hydrogen
embrittlement relief.
9.0 TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION OF PERSONNEL
This nickel plating process shall be performed by personnel qualified to conduct

the process through training or experience. If this process is performed by an
outside vendor, the development of an appropriate training program shall be the
responsibility of the vendor.
10.0 DEFINITIONS
Electrodeposition The electrodeposition process consists of putting a

conductive material from a plating solution onto a
substrate by the application of an electric current.
Substrate The material, component, or workpiece to which the

nickel plating is deposited.
Page 5 of 5

PRC-5004 - REV - C Nickel Plating

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PRC-5004 Rev.

Process Specification for

Structural Engineering Division

National Aeronautics and

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

Process Specification for Electrodeposited

This process specification establishes technical requirements for the application

This process specification applies to the electrodeposition of nickel plating on

This process specification shall be called out on the engineering drawing by

NICKEL PLATE PER NASA/JSC PRC 5004, CLASS 1, GRADE D.

The two classes of electrodeposited nickel plating are:

Class 1 Corrosion protective nickel plating (0.0002-0.0016 in. thick)

Class 2 Engineering nickel plating (>0.002 in. thick)

Grade A 0.0016 in. thick Grade E 0.0006 in. thick

3.1 WORK INSTRUCTIONS

Work instructions shall be generated for implementing this process specification.

The following references were used in developing this process specification:

SOP-007.1 Preparation and Revision of Process Specifications

JSC 8500C Engineering Drawing System Requirements

The following document is called out as an extension of the requirements given

AMS-QQ-N-290 Aerospace Material Specification/Nickel Plating

5.0 MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS

The materials used shall meet the requirements of AMS-QQ-N-290.

6.0 PROCESS REQUIREMENTS

All electrodeposited nickel plating shall be applied according to the requirements

7.0 PROCESS QUALIFICATION

8.0 PROCESS VERIFICATION

9.0 TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION OF PERSONNEL

This nickel plating process shall be performed by personnel qualified to conduct

Electrodeposition The electrodeposition process consists of putting a

Substrate The material, component, or workpiece to which the

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