Electroless nickel plating is one of a number of methods used in the surface treatment of objects or parts. Treating the surface is something that is done in order to improve the object in some way.
Surface treatments can add new characteristics or improve existing ones. Examples include corrosion and rust resistance, wettability, hardness, and electrical resistance.
Electroless Nickel Plating (ENP)
Unlike standard electroplating, this particular plating method is completed without the need for an electric current. Instead, it utilises a plating bath consisting of a chemical reducing agent such as sodium hypophosphite which reduces nickel ions and enables the coating layer to be deposited on the surface of the item. The coating used is usually a nickel-phosphorus alloy.
Advantages of ENP
ENP is less porous which means that it is harder and more resistant to common corrosives. It is efficient, accurate, and requires less equipment. The finish nearly always extends the life of the items, offering further cost savings.
The hardness of the coating can be controlled by changing the composition of the ENP baths. Higher concentrations of phosphorus also result in increased corrosion protection.
The ENP process is capable of depositing a very even coating, thickness can be tightly controlled, and even complex geometries can be handled.
Specialists in electroless nickel plating
If you feel that your business could benefit from ENP, there are a number of expert firms in this particular sphere. Many of these companies also have online resources for you to peruse to learn more, such as the examples seen here: https://www.poeton.co.uk/standard-treatments/electroless-nickel-plating.
Applications of electroless nickel plating
ENP is used in numerous industries including aerospace, oil and gas, electronics, engineering and construction. Examples of items that can be finished with ENP include engineering equipment, drive shafts, valves, pumps and mechanical and electrical tools.