Low Phosphorus Electroless Nickel (2 - 4 % P)
Electroless nickel plating, or "EN", is an auto-catalytic chemical process of metal alloy nickel-phosphorus deposition on a substrate such a metal or plastic. Unlike more common electroplating it doesn't require any an electric current for deposition by reason it is a pure chemical process. Reduction of nickel runs due to the additional chemical agent present in the solution. Electroless nickel plating brings a lot of benefits in comparison to the electroplating processes. Free from flux-density and power supply issues, it provides an even, uniform deposit regardless of workpiece geometry, and with the proper pre-plate catalyst, can deposit on non-conductive surfaces. This plating technique is used because the wear and corrosion resistance of the plated surfaces. It can be use for salvage worn parts those are difficult or expensive to be produced and replaced again. EN techniques can also be used to manufacture composite coatings (e.g. with PTFE) by suspending powder in the bath. In our company we run high advanced technologies supplied by the chemicals of the leader company in the world surface technology market. For an achievement of the highest wear resistance and hardness low phosphorus content bath with typical range of P in the alloy 2 to 4 % is being used. That allows us to reach an excellent wear resistance by the product those are sensitive or not able to undergo any additional heat treatment. (e.g. Cu and Al alloys). The typical physical layer properties: 700 ± 30 HV0.1 hardness as plated, 1015 ± 30 HV0.1 hardness after heat treatment (400°C, t = 1h), wear properties - Taber Index as plated 4 - 6, after heat treatment (400°C, t = 1h) 2 - 4, Electric resistance 30 - 50 μΩ/cm. The process is absolutely Lead and Cadmium free and meet all the restrictions of ELV and RoHS for automotive industry and the production of electrical and electronic equipment.
Layer properties
- Phosphorous content in NiP alloy 2 - 4 %
- Even, uniform deposit regardless of workpiece geometry.
- Hardness as plated 700 ± 30 HV01 - allows obtain an excellent wear resistance by the Al, Cu alloy materials - sensitive, not able to undergo additional heat treatment.
- Ability of additional heat hardening up to 1015 ± 30 HV01 - almost the Chromium hardness.
- Compact, not porous layer - sufficient corrosion resistance even without post-treatment (passivation).
- High wear resistance
- Low coefficient of friction (COF) - Need of lubrication decrease by the sliding parts - bearing, valves etc.
- Decorative, precious appearance.
- Inadvisable directly for the food-processing industry - contact with food stuff - Ni metal is slightly toxic and allergenetic.
Deposition
- 5 - 50 μm (according to the customer demands)
Way of processing
- Rack plating
- Barrel plating - in depend of the pats' size and geometry.
Basic material - substrate
- Steel and iron alloys
- Aluminium and its alloys
- Copper and its alloys
Application field:
- Engineering - shafts, valves, flanges, piping, bearings, tools
- Automotive industry
- Chemical and petrochemical industry - plumbing and distribution of chemical commodities and products.
- Arms and aircraft industry, space research
- Electronic and optic systems
- Consumer industry - plating of shape-complicated parts