What are the four key factors when comparing Electroless Nickel Plating and Hard Chrome? Electroless Nickel Plating Technical Manager Steve Whitehead gives you the low down on everything you need to know about the two coatings.
Hard Chrome Plating has been a favourite in electroplating for years. But times have changed, and now many manufacturing organisations are feeling the pressure to search for an alternative, with concerns regarding the safety and environmental impact of Hard Chrome increasing.
Electroless Nickel Plating could be the perfect replacement for Hard Chrome, with its excellent corrosion resistance and cost-effective pricing.
Here is our comparison of hard chrome and Electroless Nickel Plating – to help you find the perfect replacement:
Versatility:
Electroless Nickel Plating matches hard chrome on versality, with both working well on a variety of substrate materials, applying a smooth finish every time.
Stainless steel, copper and brass can all be covered with both coatings. Electroless Nickel, with its definite finish can coat the most complex geometry and irregular shapes with ease.
Resistance & Longevity:
With the high price of Hard Chrome, you’ll expect a coating that can withstand constant mechanical contact for a long period of time – and that’s what you get, it’s hard to match the resistance and longevity of Hard Chrome.
Both coatings have excellent corrosion resistance properties, with sliding characteristics that as both significantly lower the coefficient of friction. Electroless Nickel Plating is second best to Hard Chrome under this criteria, but it’s longevity and durability make it one of the best alternatives.
Hardness:
Hard Chrome is the leading coating when it comes to hardness. When applied with Heat Treatment, Electroless Nickel Plating can compete with hard chrome – increasing flexibility whilst maintaining corrosion resistance.
Overall:
It’s hard to ignore the impressive performance of Hard Chrome. It’s long been the leading coating for manufactures, but with concerns over health & safety and environmental impacts, Electroless Nickel Plating could be its natural successor.
If you were looking for an alternative for Hard Chrome, we would have to point you in the direction of Electroless Nickel. It’s performance holds-up well in comparison for a fraction of the price. If Hard Chrome isn’t for you, Electroless Nickel Plating just might be!
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.