Q: I gold plate copper alloys and over time my customers are returning parts because the gold is changing color. How can I fix this issue?
A: Plating over these substrates presents an interesting problem. Copper has a tendency to migrate into gold and form an intermetallic (or alloy). This causes discoloration over time. To avoid this I recommend first plating 100 microinches of nickel over the substrate as a barrier layer. In addition, utilize sufficient agitation and gold content in the tank. I recommend 0.5 oz./gal to ensure a smooth and consistent deposit.
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