| Electroless nickel plating (also called EN plating) is the process of depositing a coating of nickel phosphorous on a variety of substrates. Electroless Nickel plating is not dependent on an external electrical current as used in electroplating. Deposition is accomplished through the chemical reduction of nickel ions on a suitably prepared substrate with a catalytic surface utilizing the proper reducing agent. The reaction of the coating will remain as long as fresh solution is available at the surface interface. This will allow for a very uniform deposit with thicknesses that can exceed >.015 thick.
The electroless nickel process is a popular choice when looking to protect industrial parts from corrosion and wear. Electroless Nickel plating is also common in the food and chemical industries when iron contamination is not desirable and a non-porous deposit is essential.
In electroplating, variations in the current density in the substrate (due to its shape or surface) can cause a variation in the thickness of the plating. One of the main benefits of electroless nickel plating is that it does not use an electrical current to facilitate the plating process. This allows for a very uniform deposit and tighter controls of the deposit thickness. There is not a need to post grind parts to reduce inconsistent build up as with other plating processes such as Hard Chrome. In addition, with the proper pre-plate catalyst, the Electroless Nickel plating process can be used on non-conductive surfaces.
Click here to see the benifits of Electroless Nickel Plating
Other advantages of EN plating are:
- Plating thickness can be precisely controlled via immersion time.
- Complex jigs or racks are not required.
- Ability to plate in deep recesses, blind holes or complex shapes.
- Matte, Semi Bright or Bright finishes can be obtained.
- Corrosion protection for most metals and metal alloys
- Hardness and wear resistance comparable to hard chrome
- Porous free coating for superior corrosion protection
- Natural lubricity for good mold release.
- Good wear resistance.
- Solderability
 Substrates Processed with Electroless Nickel include:
- Low and High carbon Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Magnesium
- Copper Alloys
- Titanium
- Aluminum
Types of EN plating offered by The Lindgren Group, Avtec Location
- Medium Phosphorous Electroless Nickel
- High Phosphorous Electroless Nickel
- Co-Deposited Electroless Nickel with Teflon
- Black Electroless Nickel
- The Lindgren Group processes and certifies to all Electroless Nickel Specifications.
Electroless Nickel, Medium Phos
 Electroless Nickel, medium phosphorous plating is used in situations that require a uniform and hard coating with a moderate resistance to corrosion and a bright finish.
Features:
- Smooth and even coating, no matter the shape of the part, including recesses and holes
- Plating volume and thickness is easily controlled
- Heat treated deposits approach the hardness of hard chrome
- Low coefficient of friction
- Appealing look to parts due to bright deposit of nickel
Electroless Nickel, High Phos
Parts under heavy use in harsh environments call for Electroless Nickel, High Phosphorous
plating. The process offers a nonporous, very hard surface to protect parts exposed to hostile working environments. Click here to see properties of High Phos Electroless Nickel Plating.
 Features:
- Stain resistance
- Smooth and even coating, no matter the shape of the part, including recesses and holes
- Heat treated deposits compare in hardness to hard chrome
- Extremely low coefficient of friction
- Semi-bright coating
- Superior corrosion protection
- Little or no porosity
- Non-magnetic
Electroless Nickel w/Co-Deposited PTFE Teflon
When the electroless nickel plating is co-deposited with PTFE Teflon, the result is an extremely hard and wear resistant coating that has an extremely low coefficient of friction. Since the Teflon is deposited along with the nickel, if wear does occur new, fresh PTFE Teflon is exposed that keeps the surface lubricated.
Features:
- Create moving parts, such as slides or bearings, with improved efficiency and quieter operation
- Long life lubrication, especially useful for parts that can not be changed or repaired easily
- Better operation of moving parts in harsh and aggressive environments.
- Self lubricated parts that can be used when standard lubrication is not advised.
Industries
These features lead electroless nickel plating to be used in a number of different industries. EN is typically used to prevent corrosion, increase wear resistance, increase lubricity, increase solderability, and to salvage worn parts. The following are examples by industry:
Aviation and Aerospace
In an industry that places a premium on lightweight parts, electroless nickel is the ideal solution. This process allows the use of aluminum while preventing wear and corrosion.
Automotive
While not historically a big user of EN plating, the automobile industry has begun using the process more and more. This change has been brought about due to the need to longer lived parts and a need for reliability with components.
Electronics
The superior solderability of electroless nickel plating lends itself well to the electronics industry. It is commonly used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards, usually with a gold overlay. This process is known as ENIG ("Electroless Nickel, Immersion Gold").
EN plating is also used extensively during the manufacture of hard disk drives due to its wear resistance and ability to protect the underlying magnetic layer from damage.
Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical
Surgical equipment as well as other medical tools must hold up to severe abuse. EN plating is the perfect solution because of its corrosion and wear resistance. It also allows the use of lighter weight materials, such as aluminum, to be used.
Petroleum and Chemical Industries
These tend to be the heaviest users of electroless nickel plating. Machinery used must be protected from harsh environments such as acids, intense brines, and gasses.
Salvage and Repair
Since the thickness of the coating can be easily controlled with EN plating, it is commonly used to build up worn parts.
Other industries that commonly use electroless nickel plating:
Wood, Pulp and Paper
Molds and Dies
Printing and Textile Industries
Packaging and Handling
Mining
Optics Industry
Nico Products, Inc. - sales@thelindgrengroup.com - Phone: 612-822-2185 |
