During the Electroless Nickel Plating process, a nickel salt and hypophosphite solution serves as a bath for the base material. Once the component is in the solution, the base material acts as a catalyst to the deposition of the nickel-phosphorous onto the product. This results in increased hardness, wear resistance and lubricity, providing up to 30 years corrosion protection in subsea environments.

Placing the component to be plated, (a suitable catalytic substrate) in the heated plating bath, triggers hypophosphite ions to be oxidised into orthophosphate.  A portion of the hydrogen given off by this process is absorbed into the catalytic substrate surface.  Ionic nickel at the surface of the catalyst is then reduced by the absorbed active hydrogen to metallic nickel.  Simultaneously some of the absorbed hydrogen reduces a small amount of the hypophosphite at the catalytic surface to water, hydroxyl ion and phosphorus resulting in a Nickel Phosphorous coating.  The process continues autocatalytically increasing the thickness of the deposition until the component is removed for the plating bath.

Electroless Plating will also leave a nickel coating that is free from flux-density or power supply issues and produces an even deposit regardless of the surface’s geometry or shape, unlike electrolytic.

With Electroless Nickel Plating, a variety of different finishes can be obtained. Nickel is generally known for its adaptable finish, it can be adjusted for a matte or semi-bright finish, making it a versatile option. However, Electroless Nickel Plating will not cover or fill any surface imperfections. For example, if plating a polished component, the finished result will be a polished surface. Additionally, if plating a matte component such as a cast iron, the resulting finish will be a matte finish.

Electroless Nickel Plating is the preferred choice not only for its excellent results, but for its cost-efficient process.

• Typical phosphorous content in the range of 6 to 9% by weight.
• High hardness as coated, in the range of 500-570 Vickers (525 to 600 Knoop)
• The ability to achieve 840 to 920 Vickers (850 to 950 Knoop) from thermal treatment at 400 °C
• Slightly magnetic
• Electrical resistivity in the range of 70 to 110 µΩ/cm
• Salt spray corrosion in accordance with ASTM B117 on a 25µm coated sample of greater than 96 hours
• Wear resistance in the range of 16 to 20 TWI (as plated) and 10 to 14 TWI when thermally treated to 400°C for 1 hour.
• Typical density is 8.1 g/cm3
• Process capability of max 20 Tonnes and 12 metres long
• Barrel plating capability to 40 kgs per load

• Typical phosphorous content in the range of 10 to 12% by weight.
• High hardness as coated, in the range of 450 to 520 Vickers (475 to 550 Knoop)
• The ability to achieve 780 to 1000 Vickers (800 to 950 knoop) from thermal treatment at 400 °C
• Non-magnetic
• Electrical resistivity in the range of 80 to 110 µΩ/cm
• Excellent corrosion resistivity dependent on thermal treatments performed.
• Wear resisitivity in the range of 18 to 24 TWI as plated and 10 to 15 TWI when thermally treated to 400°C for 1 hour.
• Typical density 7.8 g/cm3
• Process capability of max 20 Tonnes and 12 metres long

COPPER COLD PLATES / COPPER HEAT SINKS

What? These are used to cool power electronics.

Why? ENP is the only coating which can be applied to the intricate internal cooling systems.

ACTUATOR BODIES

What? These are devices that produce motion (for example an electronic opening door). We currently provide ENP on actuator bodies for aerospace, Oil & Gas and the processing industry (this could potentially be many more).

Why? ENP is used for protecting the actuator from corrosion caused by pneumatic oil.

HYDRAULIC VALVES AND CYLINDERS

What? We plate hydraulic valves and cylinders used in Sub- Sea applications, Oil & Gas, processing, aerospace and automotive.

Why? ENP provides corrosion protection from extreme temperatures and conditions.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE BUSBARS

What? These are electric vehicle battery packs in which aluminium busbars connect to copper terminals.

Why? ENP prevents galvanic corrosion.

BRAKE PISTONS

What? These are used in the automotive industry.

Why? ENP extends the life of the component, protecting from corrosion caused by brake oil.