Abstract: A corrosion resistant and wear resistant nickel-iron-cobalt/hardener alloy or nickel-cobalt/hardener alloy having a brilliant luster is electrodeposited onto the surface of a substrate as an alternative to chromium plating. The plating solution contains nickel ions, cobalt ions, a completing agent, a reducing agent, a hardener and optionally, iron.

Abstract: A method is described for electrodepositing an alloy of Ni-Fe-W-P. The alloy has good corrosion and wear resistance and hence is a possible replacement for hard chromium. The electrodeposition solution contains nickel ions, iron ions, tungsten ions and phosphorous ions, and a reducing agent. The solution yields high iron content, bright level alloy deposits containing up to 40 percent iron. In another aspect of the invention, electrodeposition is carried out on a surface containing a geometric error. A sensor determines the surface topography of the surface. This is compared in a microprocessor to the desired topography. A corrective signal is sent to an electric current source to cause electrodeposition of a quantity of leveling agent sufficient to at least partially correct the geometric error.