Electroless Nickel

Electroless Nickel is different from most plating because the process requires no external electricity source. E-Nickel is an auto-catalytic chemical reduction coating. This coating can vary in hardness and corrosion resistance. It will deposit uniformly over the entire part, and has a wide variety of uses.

The thickness of the coating is uniform on the most complex and irregular surfaces provided the plating solution is able to flow continuously over the surface it is depositing on. Some areas (such as blind holes) may not get the full or uniform thickness if the plating solution cannot be properly replenished.

Corrosion resistance and hardness of the coating will vary depending on the phosphorus content of the deposit. Hardness of the coating can be increased with the addition of a baking operation following the plating.

Lubricity of Electroless Nickel aids in improving resistance to galling. The co-efficient of friction is one-half that of electroplated Watts nickel.

Electroless Nickel can be co-deposited with PTFE to deposit a durable, dry lubricating coating that combines the low coefficient of friction of PTFE in a strong, hard matrix of Electroless nickel. The distribution of PTFE particles is uniform throughout the thickness of the deposit ensuring the coating will provide lubricity throughout its service life.