Electroless Nickel Plating is basically an electrochemical process that deposits an evenly thin layer of nickel-plated nickel metal on the surface of any solid substrate, such as steel or other metal. The metal used in this type of plating is often a non-precious metal such as titanium or zinc. Electroless nickel plating does not use ionic energy to deposit the metal but rather requires direct contact between the charged particles of nickel and the substrate. Because of this, nickel plated items tend to last longer than their non-plated counterparts.
This form of plating works especially well on hard-to-reach areas.. It also has a number of applications in the electronics industry; for instance, they can be used in devices such as cell phone jacks and microphones to reduce corrosion, which can affect the performance of the device over time.
This process is popular with those who prefer a more rounded appearance in their accessories and artwork because it gives a matte, hard finish. These finishes are often seen in items such as watches, ring grips, key rings, switch covers, and so on. For those who have sensitive skin, nickel plated products should be used to reduce the chances of this happening. This is because nickel is less likely to create an issue in some people’s bodies that can cause an allergic reaction. If you’re considering electroplating your hard items with nickel, speak to a professional jeweler or technician to make sure that the coating is right for your needs.