Accurate Edge offers electroless nickel plating services (ENP) for engineering applications, including those requiring electrical conductivity. When used, electroless nickel plating is the deposition of a nickel-phosphorous alloy onto a metal substrate without the use of an electrical current.
The electroless nickel plating process utilizes an autocatalytic chemical reaction to deposit a reliable, repeatable coating of uniform thickness. This uniformity of deposit can, in some cases, eliminate the need for post-plate grinding.
Electroless nickel plating demonstrates excellent corrosion protection, with lubricity properties similar to plated chromium. It effectively coats parts with sharp edges, deep recesses, seams, threads, and complex geometries. This high-performance electroless nickel plating process ensures consistent quality even on challenging surfaces.
This high-performance electroless nickel plating process ensures consistent quality even on challenging surfaces.
Accurate Edge offers varying alloys of nickel and phosphorous, including:
- High Phosphorus (10% to 13%): superior corrosion protection; most resistant to acidic environments; greater than 65 Rc hardness with post-plate thermal treatment
- Medium Phosphorus (5% to 9%): best appearance
- Low Phosphorus (<5%): highest as-plated surface hardness (up to 60 Rc); most resistant to alkaline environments; best solderability
Electroless nickel can also be rendered non-magnetic, making it the optimal choice for electromagnetic shielding. Electroless nickel can be applied over a variety of substrates including stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass and many proprietary alloys.
ELECTROLESS NICKEL PLATING CAPABILITIES:
- Plating thicknesses from 0.0001 to 0.0050 inches
- Precision masking for selective surface plating
- Salt spray corrosion testing per ASTM B 117
- Post-plate hydrogen embrittlement relief
- Hardness up to 70Rc (high phosphorous with post-plate bake)
- XRF thickness analysis
APPLICABLE SPECIFICATIONS:
- MIL-C-26074 MIL-STD-171 (1.4.3) AMS 2404
- MIL-F-14072 (M265) ASTM B733 ASTM B656
- AMS 2405 ISO 4527
