For nickel plating, electroplating has been the go-to choice for quite some time – but is it still the most effective method?Electroless plating has seen a surge in usage as of late and supposedly boasts better results without preying on your wallet. This article compares the effectiveness of both methods in nickel plating practices in order to help you decide which method is best for your needs or your industry’s needs.
Electroplating
Also known as electrolytic nickel plating, this process uses an external electric current to apply its nickel coating. This dependency on electricity, as you might guess, can be a limiting factor.
Because this process needs electricity, it can only be used on conductive materials, which may not be ideal depending on your industry’s needs. This option is great for aesthetics, allowing you to make your products look more ornate and expensive. In terms of practicality, however, it isn’t the best.
Electroplating tends to apply an uneven layer, which in turn affects how well the product can resist corrosion, friction, cracking or other forms of damage. An uneven coating means certain areas will be weaker or worse-performing than other areas. This can even impact the aesthetic qualities of a product.
Electroless Plating
You may want to opt for electroless nickel plating if you’re after a more even, uniform coating – perfect for irregular shapes. You can contact professionals to see if they can meet your specific demands, such as the people at https://www.swmf.co.uk/surface-coatings/electroless-nickel-plating/.
Electroless plating is also great for covering a variety of materials, which can be either conductive or non-conductive. The added corrosion resistance of the chemical process is also more favourable for many.
Above all else, you’re able to choose the specific finish you’d like, with both matte and bright finishes available, covering all bases, from resistance and durability to aesthetics and cost.
Most of the disadvantages of this option stem from the process itself, as it requires constant replenishment and monitoring – for customers, this obviously won’t apply. Electroless seems the better choice, but remember to weigh up your own needs first.
