HP HAVACHROME – NFS
Non-Fluoride Chrome Catalyst Process
HP HAVACHROME – NFS
is a combined additive for high-speed / high currentefficiency, functional Chromium electroplating process that is
totally free of fluorides.
HP HAVACHROME – NFS
has the capability of processing at much higher current
densities as compared to conventional systems, which do
not use secondary catalysts.
HP HAVACHROME – NFS
unlike the conventional mixed fluoride catalyst systems, does
not cause cathodic low current density etching.
HP HAVACHROME – NFS
exhibits very shiny, bright and smooth surfaces. The microhardness of the deposit shows values in the 1,000 KHN100
range, with a micro-cracked count greater than 1,000 cracks
per linear inch providing superior corrosion and wear
resistance.
HP HAVACHROME – NFS
is maintained by additions of the NFS product (or can be used
as a separate liquid NFS-C catalyst in combination with
Chromic / Sulfuric Acid) and be regulated with standard
pretreatment cycles, anodes and equipment etc.
BASIC OPERATING PARAMETERS:
Chromic Acid
Sulfate radical
Ratio
Temperature
Cathode Current Density Range
Anode Current Density
Plating Rates (approximate)
32.0 oz/gal (240 g/l)
0.36oz/gal (2.70 g/l)
75 – 120 : 1
130oF – 140oF (55oC – 60oC)
2 – 10 ASI (30 – 154 ASD)
1 – 5 ASI (15 – 77 ASD)
2 ASI 60oC
1.3 mil/hr
4 ASI 60oC
2.8 mil/hr
6 ASI 60oC
4.5 mil/hr
BATH CONVERSION / NEW MAKE-UP:
Existing Chromium Solution Conversion
Most chromium plating solution can be converted to the HP HAVACHROME – NFS. An
analysis of the impurities must be done to determine the level of metallic contamination prior to
conversion. Fluoride type of systems may not readily be converted to the HP HAVACHROME
– NFS system.
New Plating Solution Make-up
Add DI water to ½ the working volume and for each 100 gallons (380 liters) of plating solution
add 3 gallons HP HAVACHROME – NFL-C.
Haviland Products Co.
Page 1 of 3
Revised March 16, 2006
Approved: Graham M. Torr, CEF3
Technical Service Mgr.
421 Ann St. N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504-2075
(616) 361-6691 Fax (616) 361-9772
HP HAVACHROME - NFS Page 2 of 3
BATH CONVERSION / NEW MAKE-UP (Cont.):
Add D.I. water to desired operating level and heat the solution to 140 oF (60oC). At this time analyze
the plating solution for Sulfate. Add Sulphuric Acid to bring the Sulfate content to 0.33oz/USG (2.5
g/l). Electrolyze the plating solution for 5 hours to form an equilibrium with all of the components.
SOLUTION MAINTENANCE
HP HAVACHROME - NFS should be added based on Chromium content analysis, with additions of
Sulfuric Acid made based on Sulfate analysis.
HP HAVACHROME – NFS-C maintenance should be based on additions of the product at approx.
180 grams per 100lbs Chromic Acid.
(Adjustments should be made based on recommendations from your Haviland Products Company
representative, based on HPC lab analysis.)
CONTAMINATION:
Impurities that affect all hard chromium plating solutions will affect the performance of the
HP HAVACHROME - NFS process. An excess of metallic contamination and trivalent chromium
within solution act to reduce conductivity and wherever thick deposits are required, may contribute
to roughness and pitting.
Metallic concentration beginning in excess of 7500 ppm and Trivalent Chromium in excess of 3.0%
are normally detrimental to process integrity.
Trivalent Chromium may be re-oxidized by high current density dummy plate (see your Haviland
Products Company representative for details).
POWER SUPPLY:
Low ripple power supplies are extremely important to assure overall performance and quality. Less
than 5% ripple is recommended. Outputs of 9-15 volts D.C. corresponding to the appropriate
amperage should be used.
ANODES:
Typical 7.0% Tin : 93.0% Lead (or Antimony : Lead) anodes may be used. Auxiliary or conforming
anodes should also be made of tin or antimony-lead alloys.
SOLUTION ANALYSIS:
Analysis of the operating solution should be done on a routine bases. The chromic acid content of
the solution can be checked via Baume’ method or wet analytical chemical methods. A standard
chromic acid Baume’ scale may be used. (Keep in mind the temperature, Sulfuric Acid content and
metallic contamination is important when reading the scale.)
HP HAVACHROME – NFS Catalyst content within solution may be analyzed by sample
submission to Haviland Products Company.
HP HAVACHROME - NFS Page 3 of 3
SAFETY AND HANDLING:
HP HAVACHROME – NFS compounds and the actual plating bath contain Chromic Acid that can
cause severe burns. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Do not inhale or swallow. Eye
contact can cause severe burns or loss of sight. Use with adequate ventilation and proper protective
equipment. Rubber gloves and chemical safety glasses are recommended safety equipment
including NIOSH/MSHA approved respirators should be used, as necessary. Do not eat or drink
while handling this product, and wash thoroughly after handling these materials. Consult the
individual Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) of the HP HAVACHROME – NFS system for
complete information.
NON-WARRANTY:
The data contained in this bulletin is believed by HAVILAND PRODUCTS COMPANY to be
accurate, true and complete. Since however, final methods of use of these products are in the
hands of the customer and beyond our control, we cannot guarantee that the customer will
obtain the results described in this bulletin. Nor can we assume any responsibility for the use of
this product by the customer in any process which may infringe the patents of third parties.