What Are The Interesting Features of Electroless Nickel Plating?

Electroless nickel (ni) plating refers to a electrochemical process of depositing nickel onto a substrate. This process is capable of enhancing corrosion resistance and surface properties of steel, iron and other related products both economically and effectively. Apart from this, electroless nickel plating also offers an array of characteristics such as:

• Improved hardness
• Better ductility
• Superior strength and
• Increased resistance

In addition, the process improves external appearance and brightness of the product. Various chemicals that are utilized for the process help in achieving completely bright, semi-bright, stain, pearl or matte finishes. What Makes Electroless Nickel Plating Different? Unlike the traditional method of electroplating, that uses current for moving nickel in metallic bath solution to the substrate's surface, the electroless services is about counting on a mix of specialized catalysts for the same operation. The major advantage here is plating at lower temperature which reduces the scope of wear & tear and makes the procedure compatible with a wide range of materials, including the non-conductive substrates too. Further, it deposits uniformly on the complex shapes, which may not be possible in case of electroplating. The essence of this process lies in the reducing agent which will drive deposition of nickel on the surface of the product. Hence, always ensure that you hire a reputable professional that adheres to accurate bath chemistry for delivering quality results. Factors That Affect The Quality of Electroless Nickel Plating There are certain factors that leave a dramatic impact on the quality of electroless nickel plating services and these include:

• Cleaning: The surface of the substrate (product) should be 100% clean and free from any sort of dust, dirt, oil or soaps that forms due to saponification by the alkaline cleaners.

 

• Surface Preparation: Uneven, badly machined or rough surfaces with cold or burr shuts will not be plated effectively. Hence, it is advised to prep the surface first and then proceed with electrolytic nickel plating.

 

• Control of the bathing: The Ni ion concentration, pH, temperature along with hypophosphite concentration must be examined carefully as this is something that results into premium quality plating with consistent outcome.

Key Considerations To Make When Looking For Electroless Service When you are planning to hire a reliable partner for electroless services there are a few vital aspects that you need to consider such as the whether the chemicals that will be used for the process are being supplied by certified supplier, is the bath chemistry monitored by experts, will the desired inspections be carried out before the process and what are the other services that they have in store for you.