As its name implies, electroless nickel (EN) plating requires no electrical current. The process deposits a nickel alloy with one to 12 percent phosphorus to achieve a uniform continuous coating. Such uniformity means that blind holes, threads, channels, and recessed internal areas receive the same amount of plating as sharp corners, edges, and flat surfaces, which means that Nimet Industries can reduce total “as plated” thickness and maintain close tolerances. Such uniformity also means increased corrosion resistance.

Substrates often used in the EN process include steel, aluminum, and non-metallics.

Varieties of EN plating generally fit into one of three categories based on the amount of phosphorus deposits present: low, medium, and high. The level of phosphorus determines how hard and how well a deposit resists corrosion. High levels of phosphorus deposits yield high corrosion resistance, but are softer than low phosphorus deposits. The opposite is also true: deposits with low levels of phosphorus are harder but less resistant to corrosion than deposits with high levels of phosphorus.

Characteristics of electroless nickel plating

EN chemistry has a consistent, controllable coating deposition rate, which enables close tolerances — within +/-1 to 2 microns — to be maintained. Performance needs determine the combination of characteristics such as hardness, wear/abrasion/erosion and corrosion protection, protection from chemical attack, lubricity, solderability, and high temperature performance.

EN plating’s excellent wear characteristics (e.g. hardness, lubricity, low coefficient of friction, and uniform coverage capability) make it a perfect fit for a range of applications and problem-solving tasks. Under lubricated conditions, EN deposits can equal or surpass the results typically achieved by hard chromium plating, which is particularly important when utilizing heavy deposit build-ups in overhaul and repair operations.

What role does electroless nickel plating serve?

Like hardcoat anodizing, EN coatings improve wear and corrosion resistance, and they can also improve aesthetics. With applications in the chemical processing, food processing, pharmaceutical, medical, and dental industries EN plating is used in items such as heat exchangers, carburetors, and electronic components. Its resistance to the corrosion often caused by gasoline-alcohol mixes makes it a logical choice for the auto industry when plating fuel injection systems and carburetors and for pipeline components used in the oil and gas industries.

EN can be done through barrel plating and in bulk, which enables Nimet Industries to save customers the costly expense of racking small parts.

Advertisement