Nickel Coating
Nickel coating is a metal coating process involving electroplating nickel onto the surface of another object to either shield it (from corrosion), resurface it after wear, or to add new qualities like a decorative finish or electrical conductivity. Nickel can be used as a plating material on a variety of surfaces, from plastics to traditional metal surfaces. In electroplating, an electric current oxidizes the metal flakes and salts that will then coat the product or part in consideration.
Types
- Bright Nickel coating
- Electroless Nickel coating
- Dull Nickel coating
Applications
- Decorative coating :Decorative bright nickel is used in a wide range of applications. It offers a high lustre finish, corrosion protection, and wear resistance. In the automotive industry bright nickel can be found on bumpers, exhaust pipes, etc. It is also used for bright work on bicycles and motorcycles. Other applications include hand tools and household items such as lighting and plumbing fixtures, wire racks, firearms, and appliances.
- Engineering applications : Nickel is often used in engineering applications where brightness may not be required. Such non decorative applications provide wear and corrosion protection as well as low-stress build-ups for dimensional recovery.
Advantage
- Only works on conductive materials. Increased corrosion resistance.
- Only works on conductive materials. Ability to be soldered.
- Only works on conductive materials. Increased Durability.
- Only works on conductive materials. Ornamental purposes.