> Just curious, why won't it work with tempered steel? How about spring steel?
> Is electroless nickel purely a chemical process?
>
Oh, it'll "work". You can plate springs, etc..., but hydrogen molecules from
the acids get into the matrix of the structure of the tempered steel, rattle
around and create fissures that can lead to failures. The "cure" is to bake the
part after plating in an attempt to drive out the hydrogen, the tiniest of
molecules. Not real safe, though.
And yeah, electroless nickel is just that, no electricity involved, so that
every surface gets an equal deposition. It's a good protective finish for new
headers, plating 'em inside and out. They won't look great, with inconsistent
luster and heat effects, but they'll last a hell of a long time. BJ
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