Electroless nickel plating is one of the most commonly used engineering coatings in the world.
The coating is crafted without an electric current or anodes and has thermal proprieties. Furthermore, electroless nickel coating has an adjustable glint degree and can be chosen from the following: semi-gleam or gleam.
Coating Process
The coating is carried out in an aqueous solution containing metal ions, complexes and stabilizers. The chemical reaction on the surface creates a layer of
phosphor nickel.
Electroless Nickel coating can be applied on almost any metal. It also functions as an intermediate coating for other problematic metals coatings.
Furthermore, the coating enables penetration and also coating to the interior components, which can not be reached by other processes.
Electroless Nickel Coating Types
It is costumed to Classify the electroless Nickel coating Types according to the phosphorus component which the coating holds. This affects the coating’s
durability and resistance to corrosion and abrasion.
- Low phosphorus up to 6%
- Medium phosphorus between 6 – 9%
- High phosphorus above 10%
Metal Finishing & Plastic LTD exclusively enables the testing of the coating’s phosphorus component on aluminum and on any other metal.
MIL-C-26074 Standard
Classification according to Class
| Class | Coating Type |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | Coating- Without additional treatment |
| Class 2 | Thermic treatment for in order to get required hardness |
| Class 3 | Coating on aluminum and beryllium alloy – thermic treatment is not possible |
| Class 4 | Aluminum alloy coating that allows heat treatment to improve the adhesion of the coating |
Classification According to Grade/Coating Thickness
| Grade | Thickness in Inch | Thickness in Microns |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A | 0.001 | 25.4 |
| Grade B | 0.0005 | 12.6 |
| Grade C | 0.0015 | 38.1 |
ASTM B733 Standard
Classification According to Type/Phosphorus Component
| Type | Phosphorus Component in Coating |
|---|---|
| Type 1 | No phosphorus required |
| Type 2 | 1-3% |
| Type 3 | 2-4% |
| Type 4 | 5-9% |
| Type 5 | 10%< |
Classification According to Terms of Service/Coating Thickness
| Term of Service | Description | Thickness in Inch | Thickness in Microns |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC0 | Minimal thickness | 0.1 | 4*10 |
| SC1 | Mild terms | 5 | 0.0002 |
| SC2 | Moderate terms | 13 | 0.0005 |
| SC3 | Severe terms | 25 | 0.001 |
| SC4 | Very severe terms | 75 | 0.003 |
Classification According to Thermal Treatment After Plating
| Class | Description | Temperature (° C) | Durance (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | No thermic treatment | ||
| 2 | Thermic treatment for maximum hardness | ||
| Type 1 | 260 | 20 | |
| 286 | 16 | ||
| 320 | 8 | ||
| 400 | 1 | ||
| Type 2 | 350 – 380 | 1 | |
| Type 3 | 360 – 390 | 1 | |
| Type 4 | 365 – 400 | 1 | |
| Type 5 | 375 – 400 | 1 | |
| 3 | Adhesion to steel | 180 – 200 | 2 – 4 |
| 4 | Carbon steel adhesion Carbonized and hardened aluminum | 120 – 130 | 1 – 6 |
| 5 | Adhesion to aluminum and beryllium | 140 – 150 | 1 – 2 |
