Reflectalloy ZNA

Alkaline zinc nickel plating process

Version: 01
Process Summary Released on: 02.05.2018
Doc.-No.: 1121
SAP-No.: 1678410
IMDS-No.: 736126

1. Process Information
• Reflectalloy ZNA is a patented, alkaline process for the electro-deposition of zinc nickel alloys with a nickel
content of 12 - 15 %, that exhibits significant gamma phase (600) preferred orientation crystallography.
• Reflectalloy ZNA produces semi-bright to bright zinc nickel deposits with a consistent alloy composition of 12 – 15
% nickel over the total current density.
• Reflectalloy ZNA is easy to operate and control. It is highly suited to rack plating.
• Reflectalloy ZNA deposits achieve the corrosion protection demands of the automotive industry.
• Reflectalloy ZNA deposits accept a wide range of specialized post treatments, which provide color and enhance
functional properties of the deposit. Various sealers or post dips can be applied to further improve corrosion
protection and/or to adjust torque tension values.

2. Make-Up
Make up of 100 l Liter kg Make-up Sequence
DI water 47.05 47.05 • Fill the tank with 35 l water.
Reflectalloy ZNA ZS ** 35 46,2 • Whilst stirring, make addition of Reflectalloy ZNA
Reflectalloy ZNA 92 Make Up 8.7 9.05 ZS until fully mixed.
Reflectalloy ZNA 94 Carrier 8.7 9.01 • With solution temperature of the base electrolyte
below 27°C, make addition of the specified quantities
Reflectalloy ZNA 95 0.03 0.03
of Reflectalloy additives in the following order:
Brightener 3x
• Whilst stirring add Reflectalloy ZNA 92 Make Up
Reflectalloy ZNA 97 0.3 0.3
and Reflectalloy ZNA 94 Carrier. Then add
Brightener 3x
Reflectalloy ZNA 95 Brightener 3x and
Zinni AL Universal LCD 0.15 0.16
Reflectalloy ZNA 97 Brightener 3x and Zinni AL
Universal LCD
• Place anode material onto the anode bars and adjust
solution level to the final working volume.
• Adjust solution temperature within working range,
electrolyte is now ready for use.

* in areas of poor water quality, deionized water can be used.

** concentrated base solution containing zinc 30 g/l and sodium hydroxide 360 g/l.

3. Working Parameters
Temperature 20 – 27 °C.
Voltage up to 12 V during rack plating
up to 15 V during barrel plating
Low ripple (<10%) rectification is essential.
Current density cathodic:
1.5 – 3 A/dm2 during rack plating
0.5 – 1 A/dm2 during barrel plating
anodic:
3.0 – 7.0 A/dm2

GMF Released by: GPT CRC www.atotech.com

Reflectalloy ZNA
Alkaline zinc nickel plating process

4. Maintenance
Consumption for 10.000 Ah Rack Barrel Nominal values Make up
Reflectalloy ZNA 93 Carrier 0.5 – 2.0 l – Zinc 10 (8 – 15)
Reflectalloy ZNA 94 Carrier 1.0 – 4.0 l 2.0 – 4.0 l Sodium Hydroxide 120 (110 – 145)
Reflectalloy ZNA 95 0.5 – 1.0 l 0.5 -- 1.0 l Nickel 1.05 g/l (0.9 – 1.25)*
Brightener 3x
Reflectalloy ZNA 96 N 2x 3.0 – 5.0 l 3.0 – 6.0 l Reflectalloy ZNA Carrier** 120 – 130 ml/l
Reflectalloy ZNA 96 N 175 2.2 – 3.7 l 2.2 – 4.4 l
Reflectalloy ZNA 97 0.5 – 1.5 l 0.5 – 1.5 l
Brightener 3x
Zinni AL Universal LCD up to 1.0 l up to 2.5 l

* can differ with increasing bath age; important is the nickel incorporation in the alloy (12 – 15 % Ni)
** this value is a relative measure for the complexing capacity of the bath and is not identical with the sum of Reflectalloy
ZNA Carrier 93 + ZNA Carrier 94

Sodium carbonate content max. 45 g/l

Carbonate removal: As with all alkaline-based processes, provision should be made for the periodic removal of
carbonates from the Reflectalloy ZNA electrolyte. Suitable off-line chilling equipment is required to lower solution
temperature to at least 0OC for freezing-out of the carbonates.

Optional ampere-hour addition – before using make sure solution is operating with correct zinc and nickel metal levels
and with correct Reflectalloy Carrier additives levels.

Dosing of Reflectalloy additives should not be made directly into the zinc dissolving tank.

The use of automatic dosing equipment on an ampere-hour basis has proven beneficial and is recommended for
production installations.

Under no circumstances should all Reflectalloy additives be mixed together into a

single solution for dosing. The only recommended additive mixtures are listed below:

Nickel Mix
Reflectalloy ZNA 96 N 2x and Reflectalloy ZNA 94 Carrier need to be mixed for dosing.
Reflectalloy ZNA 96 N 175 and Reflectalloy ZNA 94 Carrier need to be mixed for dosing.
Brightener Mix
Reflectalloy ZNA 97 Brightener 3x, and Zinni AL Universal LCD can be mixed for dosing.

We recommend that production experience be first gained with the standard Reflectalloy ZNA additives prior to
use of either the Pre-Mixed Brightener or Nickel Mixtures. This will then ensure that dosing rates can be
adjusted based upon practical production experience.

GMF Released by: GPT CRC www.atotech.com