ELECTROLESS
NICKEL PLATING
ELECTROLESS NICKEL PLATING is a process
where an auto-catalytic reaction is used to
deposit a coating of nickel on a substrate.
Unlike electroplating, it is not necessary
to pass an electric current through the
solution to form a deposit. This plating
technique is to prevent corrosion and wear.
EN techniques can also be used to
manufacture composite coatings by suspending
powder in the bath. Electroless nickel
plating has several advantages versus
electroplating. Free from flux-density and
power supply issues, it provides an even
deposit regardless of work piece geometry,
and with the proper pre-plate catalyst, can
deposit on non-conductive surfaces.
NICKEL PLATING MATERIAL SOURCES
Nickel is the fifth most common element
making up the earth. Although most of the
nickel is inaccessible in the core of the
earth, nickel occurs extensively in the
earth's crust. It is currently mined
in over 23 countries.
NICKEL PLATING ALLOYS
NICKEL readily combines with other metals
to form alloys, especially iron, cobalt and
copper. Alloy properties include
better corrosion resistance, better
toughness, better strength at high and low
temperatures and a wide range of special
magnetic and electronic properties.
NICKEL PLATING CONSUMER PURPOSES
Nickel based alloys, like stainless steel
are used for construction purposes.
There are approx. 3000 nickel-containing
alloys in everyday use. About 90% of all new
nickel sold each year goes into alloys,
two-thirds going into stainless steel
products. In addition, iron and nickel
alloys are used in electronics and
specialist engineering, while copper and
nickel alloys are used for coinage and
marine engineering.
Nickel is used to provide hard-wearing
decorative and engineering coatings as
"nickel-plating" or "electroless nickel
coating" or "electroforming". When used
together with chromium, it is popularly
known as "chrome-plating". When done in
combination with silicon carbide it is known
as "composite plating."
Nickel is a key part of several rechargeable
battery systems used in electronics, power
tools, transport and emergency power supply.
Nickel is also a key ingredient in many
catalysts.
The consumption of Nickel is growing at about 4% each
year and use of nickel-containing stainless
steel is growing at a rate of approx. 6%. The fastest
growth today is seen in the newly and
rapidly industrialising countries,
especially in Asia. Nickel is needed to
modernise infrastructure for industry.
NICKEL PLATING PRODUCTS
ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
Nickel is essential for healthy plant
life. Nickel is found in most vegetables,
fruits, nuts and in food products derived
from them, for example chocolate and wine.
Nickel is also used in a variety of
applications to meet the material
consumption of populations. Much of this
nickel will come from recycled, end-of-life
sources. Nickel use delivers huge benefits
to society by enabling quality living and
environmental protection.
Most nickel-containing products have long
useful lives. Average life is probably 25-35
years with many applications lasting much
longer. Nickel containing products can
provide optimum solutions to practical
challenges at a lower total cost and less
use of resources, including energy.
