Effect of the Depositing Direction in the Electroplating Process on Wear Properties of the UV-LIGA Processed Nickel Material

Abstract

There has been concern about anisotropic wear properties of UV-LIGA (Ultraviolet-Lithographie, Galvanoformung,Abformung) processed Ni. The depositing direction in the electroplating process, which is one of the UV-LIGA processes,could cause anisotropic crystalline structure. The purpose of this study is to investigate anisotropic wear phenomena of the UVLIGA processed Ni. The wear mechanism was discussed from the standpoints of crystalline structure based on the wear behavior obtained from sliding tests. Experimental results showed the difference in wear between the horizontal and vertical plane to the plane of depositing. It is considered that the crystalline shape which appeared on the sliding planes affects the wear properties. By the addition of the gloss agent to the electroplating bath, there was significant improvement in the wear property with no anisotropic finer crystalline and higher hardness.