Plastic Activator for Caswell One-Plate® Nickel

Plastic Activator for Caswell One-Plate® Nickel

Nickel plating plastic and 3D prints without conductive paint with the Caswell Plastic Activator set. This 3-part pre-treatment (Sensitizer, Activator, Reducer) activates the surface so that Caswell One-Plate® Nickel can adhere immediately. Ideal for finely detailed prints and intricately shaped plastic parts.

Important: The plastic must be able to withstand the bath temperature of the electroless nickel (approx. 85 degrees Celsius). When in doubt, always test on a test piece first.

What’s in the set

• Sensitizer – makes the surface receptive to activation
• Activator – applies active nuclei before nickel deposition starts
• Reducer – fixes/activates immediately before the One-Plate® bath (use undiluted, follow the label)

Suitable plastics

Often suitable (heat resistant): ABS, PA (nylon), PC, PEI (Ultem), PEEK, many resin prints and often PETG. Less suitable: PLA and low-Tg materials (can deform at 85°C). Surface structure affects adhesion: matt/roughened adhesion is better than high gloss.

Supplies

• Degreaser and thorough cleaning (rinse with distilled water)
• Caswell One-Plate® Nickel (electroless nickel, approx. 85 °C)
• Suitable immersion trays and hanging/mask material
• PPE and good ventilation

Step-by-step plan – activate plastic for One-Plate® Nickel

1. Clean and rinse – Degrease thoroughly, rinse with distilled water. Leave the part wet; Do not allow to dry between steps.
2. Sensitizer – Undiluted, approx. 2 minutes at room temperature. Remove from the bath and rinse with distilled water. Do not allow to dry.
3. Activator – Undiluted, approx. 2 minutes at room temperature. Remove from the bath and rinse with distilled water. Do not allow to dry.
4. Reducer – Apply undiluted, briefly according to the label. Keep wet and go straight to step 5.
5. One-Plate® Nickel – Dip directly into the preheated EN bath (± 85 °C). Move the part lightly from time to time to release bubbles. Allow to build up to the desired layer thickness, rinse and dry.

Practical tips

• 3D prints: porous areas, support scars and infill can trap air. Light blasting or finishing gives a more even result.
• Adhesion: light matting/roughening promotes the attack. Degrease carefully to avoid “fish eyes”.
• Masking: tape screw holes and contact surfaces where nickel is not desired.

Applications

• 3D printing housings and functional prototypes with conductive and wear-resistant nickel coating
• Fixtures, jigs and tooling with even coverage – even in cavities and all-round shapes
• Decorative parts that can be finished after nickel if desired

Video – example of electroless nickel plating of 3D prints

What is the Plastic Activator for One-Plate® Nickel

The Plastic Activator is a three-stage pre-treatment for plastic that enables electroless nickel plating immediately afterwards. The Sensitizer and Activator chemically prepare the surface, the Reducer fixes/activates the cores, after which an even nickel layer is created in the One-Plate® Nickel bath without an external power source.