Nickel plating is a process that applies nickel composites to other metal surfaces to increase their aesthetic appeal, strength and longevity. There are two main ways in which nickel composites are applied and these are electroplating and electroless plating.
What is electroplating?
Electroplating uses an electrical current to deposit a thin layer of nickel onto the metal product that needs to be coated. This method provides excellent adhesion for subsequent coatings and can allow operators to modify the properties of the plated material, making it more durable, corrosion-resistant and attractive.
What is electroless plating?
Electroless plating uses a chemical reduction process to deposit nickel onto the product needing treatment. Because this process uses chemical reactions rather than electric currents to attain the desired result, it is highly effective on non-uniform shapes such as automotive springs and computer hard drives.
Why is nickel used for plating?
Nickel provides many advantages over other coating options. It is naturally resistant to wear and corrosion, has impressive non-stick properties, has a shiny patina and can impart these properties to the metal product that it is used to coat without affecting its form or function . For example, nickel-plated aluminium retains its lightweight versatility but becomes more durable.
As technology evolves, so too do the nickel composites used in plating. An example of a nickel composite coating is Apticote 460, which can be seen at https://www.poeton.co.uk/advanced-treatments/apticote-460-nickel-composites/. This coating improves upon the natural properties of nickel, adding layers of protection while also offering the possibility of cost reduction. This composite is compliant with FDA regulations, rendering it suitable for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries, although it is equally suitable for use in automotive, aviation and other manufacturing environments.
In short, nickel is a magnificent material that offers a wide variety of benefits to a multitude of industry sectors. It is one of the only metals which can impart its own attributes onto other products without affecting their form, fit or function. For this reason, whether you choose electroplating or electroless plating, you should always choose nickel composites to get the job done right.