Electroless Nickel Plating

Electroless Nickel Plating is the deposit of a nickel-alloy coating by chemical reduction – without the electric current that is used in electroplating processes.

It is also sometimes called autocatalytic because the metal being applied is in solution and adheres itself to the substrate (plastic or ceramic included) without the use of an electrical source. Due to the lack of electricity, electroless plating results in a completely uniform deposit, even on complex shapes, to improve wear and/or corrosion resistance, or to improve the solderability on selected materials. 

The majority of Electroless Nickel plating for engineering purposes is a nickel phosphorus deposit containing 2 to 14% phosphorus. The higher the phosphorus content the greater the corrosion resistance, however the compromise on increased phosphorus content is a decrease in hardness.

Electroless Nickel Plating Features:

 

• • Corrosion resistance
  • Wear resistance
  • Uniform coverage throughout part
  • Tight control of deposit thickness
  • No post machining needed

 

What are the governing specifications that cover Electroless Nickel Plating?

 

• • AMS 2404
  • AMS C 26074
  • ASTM B 733
  • MIL C 26074