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RapidDirect Electroless Nickel Plating Finish Services
Achieve a uniform coating up to a tolerance of ± 0.0001" and a thickness of 3μm to 40μm with our custom electroless nickel plating finish service and improve your part's wear and corrosion resistance.
What's Electroless Nickel Plating?
The electroless nickel plating process is a chemical process that deposits a layer of nickel-phosphorus alloy onto a substrate, creating a part with a uniform, hard, smooth, and semi-glossy coating.
It is autocatalytic, i.e., it does not require an electrical current to initiate nickel coating on the substrate. Instead, the coating process reduces nickel ions to metal and its deposition on the substrate.
The nickel plating color and other properties of the plated part depend on the quantity of phosphorus. High phosphorous (>10%) leads to parts with a semi-bright appearance and excellent corrosion resistance. Medium phosphorous (6-9%) produces a semi-bright to bright appearance and good corrosion resistance.
An advantage of the process is its uniform coating thickness, irrespective of the part complexity and presence of internal surfaces. Furthermore, the electroless nickel layer thickness depends on the plating time and bath composition.
Electroless Nickel Plating Specifications
| Available Substrates | Cosmetic Availability | Tolerance | Thickness | Visual Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel alloys, copper alloys, and aluminum alloys | No | ± 0.0001" | 3μm to 40μm | Results in a uniform, semi-glossy coating that is hard and smooth. |
Advantages
- Guarantees uniform coating thickness.
- Suitable complex shapes and internal features.
- Improved corrosion and wear resistance.
- It offers a smooth, attractive finish.
- It does not require an electrical current.
Notes
- RapidDirect defaulted to use sandblasting as the pre-treatment process.
- It will retain obvious machined marks.
Applications of Nickel-Plated Parts
- Aerospace: Aircraft components, hydraulic systems, and fuel system parts.
- Automotive: Gears, shafts, and engine components.
- Electronics: Connectors, switches, and circuit boards.
- Medical Devices: Surgical instruments, implants, and diagnostic equipment.
- Oil & Gas: Valves, pumps, and drilling equipment
- Industrial Machinery: Bearings, molds, and tooling components.
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FAQs
Electroless nickel plating has a few limitations. One significant limitation is the necessity to replenish the electroless nickel plating solution after the consumption of the nickel ions during the process. This adds to operational costs and complexity. Additionally, while electroless nickel plating provides uniform coverage on various substrates, it may not be compatible with certain materials, limiting its applicability. Moreover, the process typically incurs higher costs compared to traditional electroplating methods.
The lifespan of a nickel-coated part depends on the environmental conditions of use and its specific application. Generally, nickel coatings have a long lifespan, with many performing effectively for over 20 years. However, this can vary widely based on factors like exposure to corrosive elements, abrasion, and temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, proper maintenance and care can also influence longevity.
Electroless nickel plating can take between 30 minutes to 1 hour. However, the capability of the electroless nickel plating service, desired thickness, and part size can also influence the time taken.
Yes, you can strip electroless nickel-plated parts of their coating and replate them. The process typically involves immersion in a chemical stripping solution to dissolve the existing electroless nickel layer, followed by thorough rinsing to remove any remaining residues. Once stripped, the parts can undergo surface preparation steps such as cleaning and activation before replating with a new coating of electroless nickel or a different plating material.
No, strip the parts before replating to ensure proper adhesion and quality of the new coating. Stripping removes the existing nickel layer, along with any contaminants or surface irregularities, creating a clean substrate for the replating process. Consequently, it promotes adhesion between the substrate and the new plating material and ensures the replated part’s longevity and performance.
Electroless nickel thickness tolerance can be as tight as +/- 0.0001 inches.
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