Electroless nickel plating is a fast process that reduces costs by reducing materials usage and promoting more precision control over the thickness and brightness of the finished product. This process is used to coat various items and parts because of its high durability and versatility. The process involves the natural chemical reaction of nickel and copper to form a conductive layer on the surface of the base material. This process is very accurate as the nickel deposits evenly over all exposed areas of the base material. For further details on Electroless Nickel Coating, visit https://www.poeton.co.uk/standard-treatments/electroless-nickel-plating
Unlike traditional metal finishes, electroless nickel offers corrosion protection against many different materials. Its low porosity and amorphous finish form a real barrier around the component, making it incredibly resistant to chemical attacks and atmospheric conditions. Compared to conventional coatings, electroless nickel parts can last up to 10 times longer than their counterparts. These characteristics make it a popular choice among aerospace engineers and other manufacturers.
The electroless nickel plating process is done by immersing the parts in a chemical bath containing nickel salts and reducing agents. This process deposits the metals onto a part uniformly and creates an electroplated finish. In-house tests are then performed to ensure the quality and consistency of the finished product. Its phosphorus content varies between four to fourteen percent, which ensures that the nickel deposit adheres properly to the metal surface.
In addition to corrosion resistance, electroless nickel plating provides improved electromagnetic shielding. Phosphorus provides magnetic properties that allow metal finishers to control electromagnetic interference, which is vital in many electronic applications. Electroless nickel plating also reduces surface scarring.
Electroless nickel plating is a low-cost and reliable process for securing a highly resistant coating for your components. The processes used to achieve electroless nickel plating are compliant with industrial standards. They can coat components as small as a ball valve and can even cover complex surfaces..
The process of electroless nickel plating involves depositing an alloy of 90% nickel and 10% phosphorus on a variety of metals. Since this process does not use electricity, electroless nickel plating creates uniform layer thickness. Additionally, the nickel coating has better hardness and wear resistance compared to its electrolytic counterpart. The process can be applied to many different types of base materials, including steel and non-ferrous metal.
A common pitfall in electroless nickel plating is improper surface preparation. To get maximum adhesion, it is essential to remove surface contaminants and create an active surface for the nickel plating. Electroless nickel must completely cover the component surface, avoiding localised defects.