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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
FAQ about Electroless Nickel Plating (ENP)
The primary advantage lies in the uniform thickness that the electroless process provides. Unlike traditional electroplating, which often results in uneven deposits on corners or threads, our ENP process uses an autocatalytic chemical reaction. This ensures that every surface of a component, including internal bores and complex valve geometries, receives an identical layer of protection. For the harsh offshore conditions found in the UAE, we specifically utilize High Phosphorus ENP to provide a non-porous barrier that successfully resists hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide.
While Hard Chrome has historically been the go-to for hardness, Electroless Nickel Plating is often the more reliable choice for long-term durability. Hard Chrome is susceptible to micro-cracking which can lead to substrate corrosion over time. In contrast, ENP creates a completely amorphous alloy. When we apply specialized heat treatment, our nickel plating can reach a hardness level of 900 to 1000 Vickers, which is comparable to Hard Chrome but with significantly better corrosion resistance and a much more consistent finish on irregular parts.
Selecting the correct phosphorus content is critical for the performance of the coating. Low Phosphorus (2 to 5 percent) is ideal when you require the highest possible as-plated hardness and better performance in alkaline environments. Mid Phosphorus (6 to 9 percent) is our most popular choice for general engineering because it balances speed and durability. However, for extreme acidic or marine environments, High Phosphorus (10 percent and above) is the gold standard because it is non-magnetic and offers the maximum possible protection against corrosion. We ensure all our applications meet ASTM B733 and MIL-C-26074 international standards
