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.
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.
We typically apply electroless nickel coatings up to 100 microns (µm) in thickness using a high-phosphorus process. Coating quality can deteriorate beyond this point; however, in specific cases, we have successfully applied coatings up to 125 microns.
The service life of an electroless nickel (ENP) coating is generally up to 5 years, but this can vary significantly depending on the type of coating, its thickness, and the conditions in which the component operates. For tailored advice, we recommend discussing your application with our technical team.
In 2023 we have invested in our first 5-axis machining centre, the Spinner U630. The new machine expands our precision engineering capability and capacity while boasting numerous benefits for our customers.
BENEFITS
We provide unmatched production capacity and turnaround times.
We have an extensive range of highly equipped in-house inspection and testing facilities.
We are introducing automated processes to our capabilities creating industry leading efficiencies.
We offer technical consultancy to develop and deliver exact procedures to meet your specific requirements
We have some of the largest plating tanks in Europe.
