NICKEL PLATING
Introduction
Nickel is a silver white, hard metal with a satin to bright luster. It can be plated uniformly in recesses, blind holes and cavities, does not build up on edges, and has very high wear endurance. Higher phosphorus variations provide superior corrosion resistance. Nickel is often applied as a base layer for its leveling, smoothing and barrier characteristics, which provide resistance to attack of some base metals by electrolytic metals such as cyanide copper or silver. Nickel is a hard metal with generally poor ductility that is not recommended for applications where part flexure is required.
Main Application / Advantages
- There are generally two types of nickel plating: electrolytic nickel plating and electroless nickel plating. Electrolytic nickel plating is one of the most versatile metal finishing processes available, and can be used for both decorative and functional purposes. Electroless nickel plating is mainly used when the focus is on functional engineering properties such as corrosion resistance, wear resistance, magnetic properties, solderability, brazing, welding and purity of deposit.
- The advantages of electroless nickel plating include:
- Does not use electrical power
- Gives an even coating
- No sophisticated jigs or racks are required
- Flexibility in plating volume and thickness
- Ability to plate recesses and blind holes with a stable thickness
- Chemical replenishment can be monitored automatically
- Complex filtration method is not required
- Matte, semi-bright or bright finishes can be obtained
- In addition, the different types of electroless nickel plating also have their own unique properties.
- Low phosphorus electroless nickel:
- Hard deposits
- Very uniform thickness
- Excellent corrosion resistance in alkaline environments
- Medium phosphorus electroless nickel:
- Very bright and semi-bright options
- High speed deposit rate
- Very stable
- Used for slurry disposal industries
- The most common type of electroless nickel plating
- High phosphorus electroless nickel:
- Superior corrosion protection
- Lower porosity
- Non-magnetic
- Less prone to staining
- Pit-free deposits
- Low phosphorus electroless nickel:
Generic Process Flow
Related words:
electroless nickel plating, electroless plating, electroless nickel, copper plating, nickel plating process
Melting Point : 2,651°F
