FAQs
Q: What is electroless nickel plating?
A: Electroless Nickel Plating is a chemical technique used to deposit a layer of nickel-phosphorus or a nickel-boron alloy on a material or work piece.
Q: What are the advantages of electroless nickel plating?
- High Hardness and Reflectivity
- Excellent resistance to corrosion and abrasion
- More environmentally friendly process
- Virtually unlimited throwing power
- No excess deposit at high points
- Deposits of excellent physical and chemical properties
- Reduced hydrogen chargin
- Ability to coat surfaces which would be difficult or impossible by electroplating
Q: What can you nickel plate?
A: The alloy can be deposited onto a wide range of substrates, including…
- Carbon
- Stainless Steel
- High Alloy Steel
- Iron
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Brass
- Bronze
- Beryllium
Additionally, other nonconductive materials, such as plastics and epoxies, can be electroless nickel plated.
Q: What Plating Methods do you offer?
A: We offer two primary plating methods:
Q: Are you RoHS compliant?
A: Yes, ADV Plating is RoHS (Restriction of Use of Hazardous Substances) compliant.
Q: Can you meet very specific requirements?
A: Yes. Our engineers, chemists and plating specialists have been plating with electroless nickel for many years. Our experience and demonstrated problem solving skills is what sets us apart from the competition.
Q: Does your company implement "green" technologies?
A: No plating operation can operate as a green operation. However, ADV Plating continuously works to minimize our environmental impact. Because we specialize in EN plating, we do not work with carcinogenic chemicals, like cyanide, used in other plating applications. We also maintain low concentrations in our acid baths so that our work environment remains safe. Our onsite chemical treatment process is designed to minimize waste. Additionally, any waste that is produced is removed by only qualified and accredited vendors.
Q: How thick is the actual nickel coating?
A: The normal applied thickness ranges from .00012″ to .0025″. Within this range the base substrate will gain the characteristics of the alloy coating for the majority of applications. Some of the key factors determining the correct thickness include part value, surface finish and end functional use. When properly applied, the coating may be honed or polished without damaging the finish.
Q: What are some of the differences between Electropolishing and Passivation?
- Passivation is non-electrolytic processs
- Passivation uses acidic solutions instead of an electrical current to remove free foreign matter from surfaces
- Electropolishing is significantly more effective on objects with complex geometries
- Electropolishing uses a combination of electrolytic chemicals and an electrical current to eradicate imperfections on surfaces
- Electropolishing is multifaceted, and can be used to smooth & deburr metal objects or components, in addition to removing of foreign material from the surface.
- Electropolishing leaves a more aesthetically pleasing finish
- Passivation is not nearly as effective as electropolishing in regards to removing surfaces that have been welded with oxide heat effect scale or heat treated.