Metals are electroplated on magnesium for various purposes: solderability, RF grounding, hermetic sealing, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, appearance, and electrical conductivity, for example. Because magnesium is covered with a naturally occurring oxide film, usual procedures for the preparation of metals for autocatalytic or electrolytic plating cannot be used.

1.1 This guide describes two processes used for plating on magnesium and magnesium alloys: direct electroless nickel plating and zinc immersion. Some users report that the direct electroless nickel procedure does not produce quite as high a level of adhesion as zinc immersion.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see 5.1.1 and 5.2.9.2.