Electrolytic & Electroless Nickel

PowderTech offers a complete array of RoHS approved electrolytic & electroless nickel (EN) coatings . The variations in types of EN revolve around phosphorous content but also include the incorporation of PTFE.  RoHS compliant formulations (containing no Lead or Cadmium) are the only type PowderTech applies.

By varying the percentage of phosphorus, PowderTech provides a broad base of electroless nickel finishes formulated to meet the various performance and decorative requirements today's engineers are looking for.

Strict control of process parameters (SPC & State of the Art Testing Equipment) allows PowderTech to offer Electroless Nickel coatings with specific physical and metallurgical properties.  In addition to the plated properties, PowderTech also offers heat treating options to enhance hardness when needed and coloring options are available.

The key property of Electroless Nickel plating is the uniform thickness of deposit on the part.  Based on Faraday's Law, conventional electrolytic Nickel plating of complex shapes can be very difficult and requires special anodes - (these anodes are very costly and difficult to make).  Plating with electrolytic nickel can produce a wide range of plating thicknesses on a part that can have a negative impact on part performance.  This is not the case with Electroless Nickel.  In addition, there are no special fixtures required when plating with Electroless Nickel which significantly reduces tooling costs.

Sharp edges (for example, machined threads) ordinarly build excess plate during an Electrolytic Process.  These produce varying plate thicknesses which cause tolerance issues.  These same edges are uniformly covered with PowderTech's Electroless Nickel process.  Recessed areas ( for example: Blind Bore Holes) also benefit from even plating that Electrolytic Plating cannot acomplish.

PowderTech's Electroless Nickel process is designed for used on magnesium castings, aluminum castings, aluminum extrusions, zinc castings, powdered metal, and non-conductive materials.

• Uniform plating thickness on complex geometries - both internally and externally.  
• Highly Durable & Corrosion Resistance  
• Excellent replacement for Chrome plating.   
• Coating of acute and obtuse angles, grooves, sharp corners, blind holes, and other complex geometries results in even coating thickness.   
• Esthetically chrome-like with similar hardness properties  
• Phosphorus contents vary allowing formulations specific to multiple engineering requirements.