Three Electroless Nickel Plating Myths Explained

Electroless nickel plating is widely used in engineering because it can create a uniform coating on complex parts. However, misunderstandings still exist around specifications, wear resistance, and corrosion testing.

Myth One: Specifications Always Guarantee Quality

Industry specifications are useful if up to date and correctly applied. A specification that is several years old could well contain references to coating, testing, and materials that are no longer current or correct.

Myth Two: The Hardest Coating Is Always Best

Hardness is important, but it does not automatically mean the best wear performance. Wear can take place in a number of different forms such as abrasion, sliding or adhesive wear and in each case the coating behaves differently. Therefore, a positive result in a wear test is not automatically reflected in practical use.

This is why the intended application of the component, the surface finish of the other parts that it will be in contact with, the lubrication to be used, and the operating loads all need to be considered.

For anyone researching electroless nickel plating, consider checking out a specialist such as https://www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/plating/electroless-nickel-plating/.

Myth Three: Salt Spray Tests Tell the Whole Story

Salt spray tests can be used to compare coating materials. However, the test conditions do not necessarily reflect the service conditions. The influence of temperature, corrosion agents used, moisture, condition of the substrate, and coating thickness all affect the corrosion behaviour of a coating.

Electroless nickel plating is often used to protect components, but it is necessary to specify the coating, check the required phosphorus level, and use the correct test method.