Electroless Nickel plating is a non-electrolytic, auto-calaytic, immersion chemical plating method of depositing a Nickel Phosphorous alloy for engineering applications, deposits from 5—75 micron thickness can be applied to most metallic substrate materials, for a wide range of applications.
Electroless Nickel is classed as a "COLD" process, with temperatures in the order of 85 - 95°C, ensuring no detrimental effects to the physical and mechanical properties of the base materials. Electroless Nickel for engineering applications is covered by ASTM B656-86 and B733-86.
Localised deposits can be produced by masking areas that do not require plating.
Corrosion Resistance
Electroless Nickel is a barrier coating with excellent resistance to chemical and corrosive attack by all but the most severely oxidising agents. Tests to ASTM-B117 show Neutral Salt Spray corrosion resistance up to 1000 hours.
Hours to failure
High Hardness
A typical hardness of electroless Nickel, as deposited is in the range 450-480 H.V. (46-48 Rockwell C.) However, the deposits can be precipitation hardened by heat treatment at 400°C for one hour, to 800-950 H.V. (64-68 Rockwell C.) This heat treatment will also improve adhesion and wear resistance.
Relationship with Heat Treat Temperatre for Nickel Phosphorus Coatings
Low Coefficient of Friction
The Phosphorous content of Electroless Nickel provides natural lubricity and helps minimise heat build-up, reducing galling and scoring. The coefficient against Steel of 0.13 lubricated (0.14 dry) proves the excellent frictional properties, being approx. one half that of steel. This allows extensive use for machinery and Automotive componentry, where friction is a problem.
Uniform Coating Thickness
Typical Applications for Electroless Nickel
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Components
Rods, Pistons, Cylinders
Pumping Equipment
Housings, Rotors, Impellors,Valves, Fittings, Shafts
Valve Components
Balls, Gates & Discs, Plugs,Butterflies and Shafts
Mechanical Components Oil and Gas Equipment
Packers, Rods, Fire Tubes and Barrels
Plastic Moulds, Dies, Screws and Fittings Food Equipment
Gang Knives, Slicing Blades, Bowls, Mixing Blades, Presses, Timing Screws, Hooks, Conveyor Chain
Automotive Components
Diff Pins, Rocker Arms, Steering Unit Comp., Shocker Rods, Brake Pistons, Fuel Injection Comp., Trans. Thrust Washers
Chemical Equipment
Heat Exchangers, Filter Units, Mixing Equipment, Tubing
Scientific Equipment Medical Components Foundry Patterns, Paper and Pulp, Textile
Equipment and Aerospace Components
