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0 Nickel is a silver coloured, ferromagnetic metal. It is extracted from both magmatic sulphide ore and laterite ore.
Nickel plating provides the unique combination of wear and corrosion resistance to treated substrates or components. This allows the technical or physical properties of the surface layer to change, such as affording conductivity or durability or enhancing performance or appearance.
Both electroless and electrolytic nickel plating are used across many similar industries and sectors, such as aerospace, automotive, and engineering; however, they have several differences in terms of their processes and benefits. Let’s look at these differences in more detail.
Differences
Electrolytic plating is a process whereby an electric current is needed. Electroless plating occurs through an autocatalytic chemical reaction.
Electroless nickel plating is superior in terms of the uniform and consistent coating it provides, as opposed to electrolytic plating in which thicknesses may vary. This makes electroless plating preferable for intricate substrates.
Electrolytic plating provides a naturally hard finish, and the hardness produced in the electroless process can also be increased. Electroless plating also offers a higher resistance against corrosion, whereas this is only moderate in electrolytic plating.
Electrolytic plating produces a pure nickel coating, whereas electroless plating produces a coating of nickel and phosphorus or nickel and boron.
Electroless nickel plating is more suitable for environmentally conscious sectors such as renewable energy. It produces less hazardous waste and emissions, making it a more sustainable option than the electrolytic plating option.
Electroless nickel plating solutions
Electroless nickel plating is suitable for complex components such as oil field shafts, mechanical and electrical tools, and drive shafts.
Specialist providers of electroless nickel plating solutions, such as https://www.swmf.co.uk/surface-coatings/electroless-nickel-plating, can create bespoke plating solutions and capabilities to meet your requirements.
If you are looking for a plating solution that boasts the most uniform coating, with the highest anti-corrosive and maximum resistant properties and the least environmental impact, electroless nickel plating is the perfect fit. The plating thickness can be completely customised, and a masking service can be provided for select area plating.
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