Modernization of a Chemical Nickeling Unit for Metal Products

Abstract

Metal protective coatings have a number of advantages, including high corrosion resistance, resistance to mechanical stress, and attractive appearance. The article analyzes the requirements for technological equipment for chemical nickel plating of items made of carbon steels, aluminum, titanium, copper and their alloys. The disadvantages of standard equipment (chemical nickel-plating units functioning as separate technological units) during its operation as a part of a plating line are formulated. The results of modernization and design development for an improved unit for chemical nickel plating of metal products with repeated use of the plating solution are presented. The calculation of the walls’ strength, thermal calculation of tubular electric heaters, the calculation of a single-side suction without blowing with a suction gap in the horizontal plane were performed. Pneumatic cylinders with the required working force and stroke were selected. The modernized unit is more compact, easier to maintain, and its design allows it to function as a part of a plating line. Testing of the unit in a plating section of a real manufacturing facility showed its high efficiency.