Electroless nickel & zink nickel plating

Applicable specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

• Alloys of nickel and phosphorous offered:
  • High Phosphorus (10% to 13%): superior corrosion protection; most resistant to acidic environments; greater than 65 Rc hardness with post-plate thermal treatment
  • Medium Phosphorus (5% to 9%): best appearance
  • ENSlick® Electroless Nickel (Nickel-Teflon): increased lubricity; can reduce or eliminate the need for liquid lubricants in some applications (see ENSlick page for more information)
  • Electroless nickel can also be rendered non-magnetic, making it the optimal choice for electromagnetic shielding. Electroless nickel can be applied over a variety of substrates including stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass and many proprietary alloys.
• ELECTROLURGY’S ELECTROLESS NICKEL PLATING CAPABILITIES:
  • Plating thicknesses from 0.0001 to 0.0050 inches
  • Rack and Barrel Plating Available
  • Precision masking for selective surface plating
  • Salt spray corrosion testing per ASTM B 117
  • Post-plate hydrogen embrittlement relief
  • Hardnesses up to 70Rc (high phosphorous with post-plate bake)
  • XRF thickness analysis
• DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS:

  The electroless nickel plating process is aqueous and takes place at a temperature of 190 F. While the process applies a uniform coating on all geometries, adequate solution flow is required. Blind holes or obstructed areas may receive less coating. Stainless steels and non-ferrous substrates may require post-plate thermal treatment to improve deposit adhesion. High-phosphorous electroless nickel will often discolor when given post-plate thermal treatment for maximum surface hardness.

• COMMON APPLICATIONS OF ELECTROLESS NICKEL COATINGS:

  Aerospace Components: For wear resistance, corrosion protection, chemical resistivity and lubricity on valves, pistons, engine shafts, engine mounts, compressor blades and other flight-critical components.

  Electrical Equipment: Due to its solderability and conductivity properties.

  Packaging & Handling Machinery: Due to wear resistance, cleanliness, and attractive finish.

  Chemical Manufacturing and Transport Equipment: Due to chemical resistance.

  Molds & Dies: Corrosion protection minimizes erosion and abrasion. Low coefficient of friction improves release.

  Food Service Equipment: For superior corrosion and wear resistance, attractive finish, and cleanliness.

  Plastics Manufacturing Equipment: For durability and release properties on injection molds and extrusion dies.

  Oil & Gas Components: For corrosion protection in harsh undersea and underground environments for parts such as valves, pumps, pipe fittings and others.

  Printing Industry Equipment: For abrasion resistance on conveyance and chemical resistance on printer cylinders.

  Automotive Components: For wear protection and corrosion resistance on pistons, cylinders, gears, fuel injectors, ball studs, hose couplings, heat sinks and others.

  Salvage: For restoration of parts to their original dimensions or to bring mis-machined parts into required tolerance.