The influence of the electroplating parameters on the conditions of deposited nickel-iron coatings

Several specific electroplating parameters are varied to develop a manufacturing process for nickel-iron coatings with low residual stresses and favourable structures and hardness values. Here, the produced coating conditions on the surface are characterised according to alloy compositions, microstructures, residual stresses, texture and microhardness as well as the elastic indentation modulus. The manufacture of the coatings was carried out in a laboratory electroplating plant. The process parameters are: electroplating in electrolytic baths with and without saccharin as an additive, with different iron content as well as with various current parameters. The results show significant influences of saccharin, as a bath additive, and of the pulse frequency during the reverse current pulse procedure on the coating conditions. Supplementary investigations are scheduled for determining the distributions of the conditions through the coating thickness. Similarly, micromechanical tests are planned. Process parameters with optimal conditions can then be selected from the determined process-condition property relation. This is to subsequently serve as the basis for improving the manufacture of micro gear-wheels. The micro gear-wheels are produced by electroforming using the direct LIGA process.