Bright nickel
Bright nickel coating belongs to the widespread used galvanic technologies. The plating is undergone in the weak acid solution of nickel (II+) salts (Cl-, SO42-) with usage of dissolving Ni anodes and cathode connected metal parts. Electrolytic nickel plating is due to its high bright appearance primarily a decorative coating with a wide range of usage. But it can also provide the basic corrosion resistance. In case the nickel is precipitated directly on iron material, it is become a barrier protection as a nobler metal. This is suitable mainly for indoor application but needn't to be sufficient for common outdoor usages at all. Layer of nickel is relatively porous and for a thinner dimension the corrosive environment can easily penetrate through the layer to the substrate. In this case nickel can even accelerate the corrosion process as it acts as a cathode in a galvanic cell with iron. This can also lead to creation of corrosion pitting effect. Therefore in some applications a usage of additional copper layer under the nickel is highly recommended. Copper underlayer has two basic functions. Firstly as a nobler metal it stops the corrosion penetration by preferential dissolving of top nickel coating, secondly with its natural levelling characteristic can significantly improve the brightness and final appearance of nickel coating. This can be advisable especially for partially masking of roughness and defects presented on the substrate.
Layer properties
- Decorative coating with semi bright to bright appearance with wide range of application.
- Barrier anticorrosion protection of steel and iron materials that can be further improved by additional copper underlayer usage.
- Relatively wear resistant and hard coating
Deposition - dimension
- 5 - 20 μm (according to the customer demands)
Way of processing
- Barrel plating
- Rack plating - in depend of deal
Basic material - substrate
- Steel and iron alloys (underlayers Ni/Cu available)
- Copper and its alloys (underlayers Ni/Cu available)
Application field:
- Industries
- Consumer industry