Electroless Nickel Plating: Description and Benefits

Electroless nickel plating (EN) is a process for depositing a nickel alloy from aqueous solutions onto a substrate (surface) without the use of electric current. As a result, electroplating depends on a direct current which reduces nickel ions in the electrolyte to nickel alloy on the substrate. Unlike electroplating of nickel, electroless nickel plating is a completely chemical procedure. As a result, reduction reduces nickel ions in the solution to nickel metal. There are a few different reduction agents used during the process, however, the most common has to be sodium hypophosphite which is used in over 95% of all electroless nickel plating.

What are the Benefits of Electroless Nickel Plating?

In conclusion, electroless nickel plating is extremely versatile and reliable. For example, electroless plating avoids some of the issues of traditional electroplating such as uneven buildup. Instead electroless nickel plating provides an even plating thickness which allows for tolerances to be achieved. In addition, because of this uniformed surface, electroless nickel plating offers some of the best corrosion protection in comparison to other plated alloys.

At American Plating Company we are proud to offer electroless nickel plating. We would be happy to discuss our capabilities with you!

 Reference:

Parkinson, Ron. Properties and Applications of Electroless Nickel. Toronto: Nickel Development Institute, 1997. Web. 9 Jul. 2015.

NASF: National Association of Surface Finishing