Electroless nickel plating is used in the surface processing of lenses and the rollers used in office imaging equipment such as printers and copying machines. During the plating process, depleted ions accumulate in the plating solution and render the fluid unusable, resulting in solution waste. In response, Canon began developing technology employing electro-dialysis that selectively removes unnecessary ions and makes possible the reuse of electroless nickel plating solution. This unique electro-dialysis system enables the effective reuse of the plating solution waste and has reduced liquid waste emissions to one half of previous levels.

Overview of electro-dialysis process