What is electroless Nickel plating ?

THE ONLY CORROSION PROTECTION COATING THAT IS ALSO WEAR-RESISTANT !

Electroless nickel plating is a metallic coating that protects any machine parts from corrosion and wear.

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PRODUCTION LINE !

Superior quality corrosion protection

Electroless nickel plating is a metallic coating that protects any machine parts from corrosion and wear. In fact, it’s the only corrosion protection coating that offers very high hardness levels.

It can therefore be used to protect any metal mechanical components (steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminium or copper alloys) which, in addition to being exposed to oxidation, are subject to stress, strain, friction or even impacts.

Its other huge advantage lies in its application which doesn’t require electrolysis. It is applied by the contact of the product to be coated with the solution in which it is immersed.

As a result, the whole part, even if it has a complex shape (unless masking is required), will be coated very evenly without any edge or drip effects, providing full protection even in the smallest interior and exterior recesses.

Components intended for the nuclear market, treated thermally after electroless nickel plating. This process, combined with high-phosphorus electroless nickel plating, allows for precise adjustment of the final characteristics. The pieces treated in this manner offer optimal resistance, meeting the specific requirements outlined in the specifications to ensure reliability and durability in nuclear applications.

The different types of electroless nickel plating

There are three main families of electroless nickel plating that are differentiated by the nickel deposit phosphorus content:

– High phosphorus : the “Rolls-Royce” in terms of corrosion protection… which can also be hardened, or even more!

– Medium phosphorus: a compromise between hardness and corrosion protection. But is compromise a choice?

– Low phosphorus: very hard when it comes out of the bath, it is less resistant to corrosion.

These three families will soon be joined by the highly promising “composite nickels” (with particle additives) which are currently being developed by Verbrugge.

There are three main families of electroless nickel plating that are differentiated by the nickel deposit phosphorus content:

– High phosphorus : the “Rolls-Royce” in terms of corrosion protection… which can also be hardened, or even more!

– Medium phosphorus: a compromise between hardness and corrosion protection. But is compromise a choice?

– Low phosphorus: very hard when it comes out of the bath, it is less resistant to corrosion.

These three families will soon be joined by the highly promising “composite nickels” (with particle additives) which are currently being developed by Verbrugge.

Customised corrosion protection

Heat treatment after nickel plating can be used to further optimise the mechanical properties of the coatings depending on the part requirements.

We therefore have the option of privileging the coating hardness (see “hardened electroless nickel plating“) or its corrosion protection (see “diffused electroless nickel plating“).

Further details are available in our “in detail” section.

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Main characteristics

CORROSION PROTECTION

A phosphorus content of over 10% gives the electroless nickel plating layer excellent corrosion resistance. Depending on the material (steel, copper, aluminium, etc.), its finish and the coating thickness, the protective effect can be as high as 2000H in saline mist.

HARDNESS

Electroless nickel plating offers variable hardness up to 1000 Vickers suitable for a variety of applications. This adjustable range guarantees optimum protection and performance for different mechanical parts.

UNIFORM THICKNESS

The nickel deposit will be perfectly uniform to the nearest micron even in the most inaccessible recesses and borings of your parts.

HEAT TREATMENT

Heat treatment influences the surface coating by improving:
– Adherence
– Hardness and wear resistance
– Corrosion resistance

ROUGHNESS

Electroless nickel plating preserves the roughness of a metal part after depositing. The initial part roughness determines the final roughness.

Gallery of achievements

Substantial half-arch piece, undergoing electroless nickel plating followed by a hardening heat treatment. This sequence of processes aims to provide corrosion protection and strengthen the structure of the piece for optimal mechanical resistance. The piece is ready to face rigorous conditions after this combination of treatments.
Dual Reinforcement: Substantial Half-Arch Piece with Nickel Plating and Heat Treatment
Mass-produced nickel-plated aluminum parts, secured on dedicated tooling, destined for the automotive market. This representation illustrates our expertise in chemical nickel plating, providing reliable protection and a high-quality finish. The parts, perfectly fitted to the tooling, attest to our commitment to precision manufacturing for the automotive industry.
Automotive Series: Nickel-Plated Aluminum Parts on Specialized Tooling for the Automotive Market
Aluminum parts, characterized by their complexity, and produced in series. Chemical nickel plating precisely applied to these complex aluminum parts ensures uniform and reliable protection. This representation attests to our ability to effectively process series of complex aluminum parts, ensuring consistent quality and increased resistance.
Complex Series: Numerous Chemically Nickel-Plated Aluminum Parts, Illustrating Our Excellence in Series Treatment
Nickel-plated parts as a replacement for hard chrome plating. Our chemical nickel plating solution provides a robust and environmentally friendly alternative to hard chrome plating. This technology ensures effective corrosion protection and imparts increased mechanical resistance to the parts, meeting high-quality standards while promoting sustainable surface treatment practices.
Sustainable Transition: Nickel-Plated Parts as a Substitute for Hard Chrome Plating
Steel parts, treated with chemical nickel plating as a replacement for hard chrome plating. This solution provides a robust and environmentally friendly alternative, ensuring corrosion protection and high mechanical resistance. The transition to chemical nickel plating reflects our commitment to sustainable surface treatment practices.
Sustainable Alternative: Chemically Nickel-Plated Steel Part, Replacing Hard Chrome Plating
Set of electroless nickel-plated screws with a coating of high-phosphorus electroless nickel, expertly applied to ensure optimal protection of metallic parts. Electroless nickel plating, characterized by a regular deposition, is the main sought-after feature for these parts, ensuring consistent quality and increased resistance against corrosion.
Durable Protection: Electroless Nickel-Plated Screws with Regular Electroless Nickel Plating
Metal components positioned in the oven, awaiting the start of the heat treatment. These components, previously coated with high-phosphorus electroless nickel, are ready to undergo the thermal strengthening process. Once the treatment is complete, these pieces will ensure optimal strength.
Thermal Preparation: Metal Components Awaiting Treatment in the Oven
Substantial metal components intended for offshore markets, freshly out of the high-phosphorus electroless nickel plating line. These pieces will undergo a diffusion heat treatment before their final deployment, reinforcing their structure for increased resistance in demanding marine environments. The initial nickel plating provides corrosion protection, ensuring reliable performance during deployment at sea.
In Progress Preparation: Initial Nickel Plating Awaiting Heat Treatment for Offshore Metal Components
Set of nickel-plated brass pieces, specially designed for the turning market and produced in very large series. Nickel plating not only provides an aesthetic finish but also ensures protection against corrosion, thus enhancing the durability of these mass-produced components to meet the needs of the turning market.
Large Series, Distinctive Finish: Nickel-Plated Brass Pieces for Turning
Aluminum nickel-plated pieces, carefully handled with white gloves, as part of a final visual inspection before their ultimate packaging. The high-phosphorus electroless nickel finish not only provides corrosion protection but also an elegant aesthetic. This meticulous inspection ensures compliance and impeccable quality of the pieces before their release.
Final Visual Inspection: Nickel-Plated Aluminum Pieces Ready for Packaging