Electroless Nickel

A Brief Overview

Electroless nickel is an alloy of nickel and phosphorous, typically ranging from as low at 2-3% to a high of 12.5%. It is deposited from a chemical bath using sodium hypophosphite as the reducing agent which results in a uniform coating on all surfaces of the parts plated.

Mid ( 5-6 %) and high ( over 10.5%) by weight phosphorous deposits are generally used by industry for wear and corrosion properties. EN has a natural lubricity due to its phos content and has been described as a "lamellar, glass-like coating" which encapsulates the part and thereby provides corrosion resistance. A tenacious oxide film forms over time and further enhances the corrosion aspect.

Because these coatings are created by an oxidation reduction process that does not employ conventional electrical current, they are called "Electroless Nickel". In Europe, it is called "Chemical or Auto Catalytic Nickel".

EN can be applied to almost any properly prepared substrate of metal. At TEAM Metal Finishing, we have four EN lines ranging from 200 gallons to 2,000 gallons. We plate mid and high phos EN and support those coatings with Sulfamate and Wood's nickel strikes as necessary.

ELECTROLESS NICKEL

Lubricity, Hardness, Corrosion Resistance

TEAM-EN-HP

High-phosphorus exhibits the best corrosion resistance of the electroless nickel family; with phosphorus content of 10% -12%. The deposit is not as hard as the lower phosphorus content. 45RC (as plated). Hardness may be improved by heat-treating. (Up to 65RC) High-phosphorus is a virtually non-magnetic coating. TMF's high-phosphorus electroless nickel plating conforms to ASTM 733 B, and MIL-C-26074.

TEAM-EN-MP

TMF's Mid-phos electroless nickel yields a bright and hard deposit. Hardness ranges from 55RC (as plated) to 70RC (after heat treating) . Low-phosphorus content improves soldering and brazing performance. TMF's low-phosphorus electroless nickel plating conforms to ASTM 733 B, and MIL-C-26074.

TEAM-EN-MILRC64

The TEAM-MILRC64 is a proprietary electroless nickel-phosphorus finish that yields
a deposit with an as plated hardness of 61-64 Rockwell C Scale. This unique finish produces a mirror bright, 3-6% Phosphorous coating

TEAM-MILRC64

deposits are ideal for critical wear applications and when heat treatment is
not possible or practical. Field performance is similar to the more expensive EN-boron films
and superior to other Ni-P coatings.

DEPOSIT PROPERTIES:
TYPICAL RESULTS
Phosphorus Content (wt.%): 3-6
Melting Range: ( F ) 1634-2444
( C ) 890-1340
Hardness (HV/RCH): ( As Plated ) 770/64
(Heat Treated) 1000/70
Magnetic Properties (Coercivity): Magnetic

TEAM-MILRC64 deposits meets/exceeds ASTM B733 and AMS 2404D Specifications

Proprietary Black & Champagne Electroless Nickel

Black nickel is plated to give a lustrous black appearance. It is brighter than black chrome and covers recessed areas better. Since the black nickel coating is quite thin, corrosion resistance is somewhat limited. Additionally, the black color may not hold up in severe environments. It is used for optical components, gun sights and components, lighting products, plumbing fixtures and some automotive parts.
Champagne color Electroless Nickel is plated to yield a beautiful champagne colored deposit. Used for decorative, as well as identification purposes. Much like the Black Nickel process the Champagne Nickel coating is quite thin and may not hold up in severe environments.

Electroless Nickel with Teflon®(PTFE)(Bonded)

TEAM-PTFE-B

TEAM-PTFE-B is a bonded lubricant coating breakthrough, combining the
durability advantages of bonding with the exceptional lubrication
properties of PTFE in an environmentally safe, ease-of-use
water-based formula. Unparalleled in lubrication and corrosion
protection, TEAM-PTFE-B can work for you wherever friction is a problem.

TEAM-PTFE-B’s ability to chemically bond (chemically adhere) to metals,
ceramics and plastics gives it the unique lubricity and long wear
properties. The results are substantially superior lubricity over
other coating lubricants. No other dry lube process in the
market, including PTFE impregnation, has the ability to chemically bond to
the substrate material.

A chemical bond is the physical process responsible for the attractive interactions between atoms and molecules, the electrons between the PTFE and the plated surfaces are attracted to each other and become a single entity. The significant advantages of a chemical bonding of the lubricant to the surface are the durability and wear-ability of the coating (the bonding is created at the molecular level) and the significant increase in lubricity.

Other dry lube processes, including PTFE impregnation, simply apply the PTFE on the surface and as a result scratching, washing and rubbing will compromise the lubricant and/or remove it from the substrate.

TEAM-PTFE-B can be applied over any surface finish Team Metal Finishing offers.

ELECTROLESS NICKEL

Physical Properties

Composition: 88-94% nickel, 6-12% phosphorous
Specific Gravity: 7.9
Melting Point: 1635F (890C)
Adhesion to Steel: 30,000-60,000 psi
Hardness, as deposited: 500-600 Vickers (49 Rockwell C)
Maximum Hardness, heat treated: 1000-1100 Vickers (70 Rockwell C)
Elongation: 2-6% permanent strain
Electrical Resistance, as deposited: 60-75 microhms/cm/cm
Thermal Conductivity: 0.01 cal/cm sec C
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 7.22 10.6 in./in./F 13.0 106 cm/cm/C
Internal Stress: 15,000 to 40, 000 psi--10.8 to 28 kgmmS