While not every component can be plated (and often, for good reason), there are a number of ‘types’ that are typically considered suitable for plating, when required.
Complex Internal Geometry
Pump housings, valve bodies, and other similar components have deep bores or channels and are normally difficult to be coated using conventional electroplating methods. The deposit from electroless Nickel Plating goes into recesses and blind holes of the components, producing a uniform coating thickness on all internal surfaces of the part, as well as on external surfaces.
Tight Dimensional Tolerances
Precision instruments, such as moulds and gauges, can be plated. The high dimensional accuracy of such components can be maintained by plating to a precise thickness and surface finish.
Wear-Critical Surfaces
Other critical wear surfaces: Hydraulic shafts, bearing housings, drill components (to name a few) in which the high surface hardness of the ENP coating will provide exceptional service life in these applications where surfaces will wear from contact. Again, the value here is that high surface hardness is provided without adding any significant weight.
Corrosive or Chemical Environments
Parts used in chemical processing, food production, or offshore applications that may be exposed to harsh environments require special consideration. For Electroless Nickel Plating, visit www.swmf.co.uk/surface-coatings/electroless-nickel-plating/.
Mixed or Hard-to-Plate Substrates
Electroless Nickel can deposit on a vast array of base materials such as Aluminium, Copper Alloys and some Plastic types. We can deposit coatings on components made from mixed surface materials and are frequently used in the deposition of Printed Circuit Boards.
Parts with awkward geometry, demanding dimensional tolerances or harsh working conditions are likely to benefit from a discussion about electroless nickel plating with your plater.
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