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ELECTROLESS NICKEL PLATING (ENP)
By definition, electroless plating is metal deposition by a controlled chemical reaction. In contrast to an electroplating solution, electroless nickel (EN) solutions require no external source of current to plate. EN baths utilize a chemical reducing agent built into the bath. The process provides a continuous build-up of deposit, since the metal being plated is itself a catalyst for the plating reaction. This is why EN is also known as autocatalytic nickel plating.
BENEFITS OF ELECTROLESS NICKEL PLATING (ENP)
Corrosion Resistance
One of the main benefits of electroless nickel plating is corrosion resistance.
Corrosion is one of the major problems challenging today’s industrial engineers. The effects of corrosion can range from diminished appearance to increased operating costs. Previous solutions for corrosion involved metallic coatings, such as chromium, that are inherently porous or feature micro cracking. These solutions did offer some protection to the base metal but would still fail in a short period of time.
The use of electroless nickel eliminates these issues to offer better corrosion protection. The coating’s inherent low porosity to amorphous finish create a true barrier around the component to protect it from substances that would otherwise easily corrode it. Nickel also has excellent resistance to most liquids and atmospheric conditions. Compared to coatings that were prominently used in the past to solve this issue, parts that are plated with electroless nickel and then subjected to highly corrosive environments will last more than ten times longer.
Adhesion
Another benefit of electroless nickel plating is adhesion. The electroless nickel coating we use has passed the 180-degree bend test specified by MIL-C 26074 without any sign of flaking.
Cost-Effective
Another major advantage of electroless nickel coating is that it is cheaper than the electrolytic nickel coating. There is no electricity required and no extra cost of finishing required which makes it a cost-effective coating process. Also, due to improving coating quality operational cost is less.
Uniform Deposition
When it comes to the metal coating of the irregular and complicated shaped workpieces, electroless nickel plating is best in the business. It is very difficult to achieve the uniform thickness of metal layer all over the substrate with electrolytic nickel plating. But with electroless nickel plating, the thickness of the metal layer deposited is even over the entire surface of the substrate.
Lubricity
Electroless nickel plating has natural self lubricating properties creates less friction against other materials, resulting in better lubricity and reduced surface scarring, which eliminates the need of liquid lubricants on components.
Wear Resistance
Electroless nickel plating also provides excellent wear resistance, which helps to extend the life of parts and components that are subjected to high levels of wear and tear. The hardness and durability of the nickel coating make it resistant to scratches, abrasions, and other types of wear.
Surface Finish
Electroless nickel plating can provide a smooth, uniform surface finish that is free of imperfections and defects. This can improve the appearance of parts and components, as well as improve their functionality and performance.
High surface hardness
Hardness values for electroless nickel deposits are in the range of 48 to 55 rockwell C. further heating at 400 degree Celsius for one hour, the obtainable surface hardness from 66 to 70 rockwell c.
Plating can be done on any metal – Aluminium, C.I., M.S., EN series, HCHCr., S.S., Brass, Copper etc.