{"id":3198,"date":"2016-06-06T10:58:25","date_gmt":"2016-06-06T15:58:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/advancedplatingtech.com\/?p=3198"},"modified":"2024-11-25T08:45:16","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T14:45:16","slug":"corrosion-protection-benefits-electroless-nickel-plating","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advancedplatingtech.com\/blog\/corrosion-protection-benefits-electroless-nickel-plating\/","title":{"rendered":"Corrosion Protection Benefits of Electroless Nickel Plating"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Electroless Nickel Plating: Superior Corrosion\u00a0Protection<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\"Electroless<\/a><\/p>\n

Raw metals other than precious metals can easily oxidize and corrode over time when exposed to various environmental conditions and corrosive applications.\u00a0 The proper design of any component must begin with a surface engineering evaluation to ensure that the product will function reliably over the intended service life.\u00a0 Even in relatively mild service applications, corrosion can result in functional issues and shortfalls.\u00a0 Electroless nickel plating can provide a robust solution to corrosive attack across a range of corrosive mechanisms\u00a0including\u00a0galvanic corrosion, chemical attack and erosion. Electroless nickel plating<\/a> (EN) can be applied to a wide range of basis metals including steel, copper, brass and aluminum alloys. Electroless Nickel plating is currently utilized to promote corrosion protection performance across a diverse range of industries including heavy equipment, oil & gas, power transmission & distribution, automotive, marine and railway to name a few.<\/p>\n

Electroless Nickel Plating Characteristics<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

EN is different from electrolytic nickel plating in that is does not require an external source of electrons for deposition. This auto-catalytic process does not need to pass electric current through parts to form the plated deposit which gives the EN deposit greatly improved uniformity over that of electrolytic deposits. \u00a0The improved uniformity of ENP\u00a0is a principle deposit property that enhances corrosion resistance on all features of a part especially in features that are traditionally difficult to coat such as thru holes or counter bores. \u00a0Another unique characteristic of ENP\u00a0is that the nickel co-deposits phosphorus of varying amounts from 4-13% based on the bath type. The level of phosphorus directly impacts key deposit properties such as hardness, corrosion resistance and ductility. \u00a0In addition, post-plate heat treatment can be used to alter the structure of the electroless nickel plating thereby increasing hardness to as high as 70 Rc.<\/p>\n

Advanced Electroless Nickel Plating Options<\/span>\"Electroless<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Advanced Plating Technologies has developed processes to further enhance the corrosion performance of electroless nickel plating by utilizing a multi-layer or duplex systems consisting of an underplate of copper and\/or electrolytic nickel prior to the electroless nickel deposit.\u00a0 APT also offers proprietary sealing technologies such as\u00a0our H4 and H5 molecular sealers that can increase the salt spray performance of ENP\u00a0by as much as 2x.<\/p>\n

Types of Electroless Nickel Plating – Corrosion Protection Options<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Traditional electroless nickel phosphorus plating is broken down into three specific groups, 1) low phosphorus (<5% P), medium phosphorus (6-10% P) and high phosphorus (11-13% P).\u00a0 Depending upon design considerations and the corrosion performance required, the phosphorus level and deposit thickness can be adjusted accordingly. Advanced Plating Technologies offers both medium phosphorus electroless nickel plating and high phosphorus ENP. A breakdown of each EN type is provided below:<\/p>\n