Finishing

Benefits of Electroless Nickel

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Electroless nickel plating (ENP) is a chemical process that deposits an even layer of nickel-phosphorus on the surface of a metal part without the use of electricity. The water solution contains nickel salt and a reducing agent containing phosphorus. Electroless nickel is a viable solution for steel, stainless steel, Inconel, copper/brass, aluminum, zinc diecast, and tungsten parts.

ENP is used in the agricultural machinery industry to protect farm machinery. This process protects food processing equipment so that the equipment can withstand extreme hot and cold temperatures. It is used in aviation to protect the thousands of parts that keep our planes flying. ENP treatment protects heavy-duty construction and oil and gas extraction equipment. ENP enables machinery to operate at high pressure.

Electroless nickel offers the following benefits for part manufacturers:

  1. Uniform thickness. There is no “dog bone” effect, where some areas of a part receive a higher deposit than other areas. The entire part, including holes, edges and corners, receives a consistent deposit making electroless nickel ideal for parts of odd geometric shapes.
  2. Greater flexibility. Electroless nickel plating offers greater flexibility with respect to coating volumes and thicknesses. In addition, this kind of plating provides various levels of finish brightness.
  3. Increased hardness and durability. When treated with heat, parts with electroless nickel can measure up to 63 on the Rockwell scale (Rc). On the contrary, parts treated with electrolytic nickel plating have a hardness of 50 (Rc).
  4. Superior corrosion resistance. Electroless nickel deposits a very thin layer of chromium oxide that effectively blocks oxygen from interacting with the part.
  5. Improved lubricity. Parts that are treated with electroless nickel create less friction when they contact other materials. This also reduces scarring on the surface.

F.M. Callahan & Son has specialized in electroless nickel plating for over 50 years. Contact us today to discuss your electroless nickel job.