Nickel plating on anodized aluminum

[stag53]

Hi,

Does anyone know if you can nickel plate on anodized aluminum?

I want to use 80/20 rails and linear bearings for a low-cost pilot machine, but the stuff has to be submerged in a chemical that will etch the aluminum unless it's coated in something like nickel or chrome.

Thanks!

Adam S

[beone]

Don't think so. The anodize is an insulator, so you will have to strip it.
Dave

[blackbeard52]

there is one possibility...Electroless nickle plate... a pretty simple process that can be lab tested without a huge outlay of money. We have done it before but in small batch numbers....Google some companies or call your local plater to see if they do electroless nickle and see if they have any experience...I do know that conventional nickle will not work as the surface needs to be conductive and anodising creates an insulator.

Bob