Zinc Nickel Plating
Zinc Nickel Plating is a type of electroplating process in which a layer of zinc-nickel alloy is deposited onto a metal substrate. This process provides corrosion resistance, wear resistance and a decorative finish to the metal. The zinc-nickel alloy coating offers improved performance compared to traditional zinc or cadmium plating, making it suitable for applications in industries such as automotive, aerospace and electronics.
Why choose Zinc Nickel Plating?
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Why choose
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Our Zinc Nickel specifications
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Our Turnaround Times
- Standard Turnaround is 7-10 working days
- Express Turnaround is available for additional charge
How to Order Zinc Nickel Plating
When specifying zinc nickel we recommend referring to published standards wherever possible. Most standards will require you to provide at least the following information to us:
- The specification reference, film thickness and sealing requirements
- The grade and temper condition of the material
- The significant surfaces and areas where measurements of the coating thickness are to be made
- Any areas that must not be used as contact points for jigging (or areas that are to be used)
It is necessary to carry an electric current to the part during processing, these contact areas will remain uncoated, typically parts are located on jigs using holes, bores, tapped holes or along edges - Any special inspection and test requirements
The default inspection procedures for most specifications include for visual inspection and coating thickness measurement, if it is necessary to carry out other inspection procedures by batch or order then generally these have to be specified in the contract or order - Any special packing requirements
The grade and condition of the substrate will have a significant effect on the final product.
Feel free to get in touch with your requirements or for technical advice.
Our Specifications & Standards
We plate to the following standards:
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Standard |
Notes |
Comment |
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AMS2417 |
Zinc nickel plating |
Supersedes |
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ISO15726 |
Zinc nickel plating |
Supersedes |
We are able to process to other specifications, please contact us with your requirements.
Guide for Design Engineers
Thickness and Growth
Zinc nickel is deposited on the surface of the part. Minimum thickness requirements are specified in the zinc nickel standards but our customers find it easier to specify a thickness range.
Corrosion Resistance
Zinc nickel has excellent anti-corrosion properties which are 2-3x greater than zinc plating and equivalent to cadmium coatings without the carcinogen concerns. Our technical specialists will be able to provide guidance and assist with testing compatibility.
Wear Resistance
The smooth, hard finish of zinc nickel provides significant increase in wear resistance. Zinc nickel plated parts reach 450 Hv on the Vickers hardness scale compared to less than 150 Hv for zinc plated parts.
Scratch Resistance
The layer of zinc nickel acts as a sacrificial anode which protects the base metal by sacrificing itself.
Substrate Condition
The substrate is very important to the quality of the plating and clean steel (rather than black steel) is recommended to achieve best results. Substrates that are pitted or porous are liable to corrode despite plating.
Tensile Strength
Parts with a tensile strength of over 1000 MPa are liable to hydrogen embrittlement and require de-embrittlement and stress relief.
Safety & Environmental Compliance
Our zinc nickel service is compliant with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances).
Environmental awareness is part and parcel of our business ethos. We have an active policy of using greener alternatives to the traditional processes. We have held a Environment Agency IPPC permit since 2005 and are regularly audited as part of our ISO 14001 certification.
Laboratory Analysis
Our laboratory routinely monitors process chemistry, we visually inspect parts before and after plating and for specification work, alloy composition and thickness is measured using X-Ray Fluorescence.
We carry out periodic corrosion testing on standard panels.
If you require batch or part specific tests these should be specified in the contract or on the drawing or order.
Applications & Industries
Zinc nickel plating is used in industries such as:
And for purposes such as:
- Components for space exploration
- Flight control and guidance systems
- Aircraft fuel systems
- Military equipment
- Aircraft landing gear
Similar Processes
How We Can Help
We provide zinc nickel plating services for the most challenging components and applications. We often take on the projects that other platers are unwilling or unable to do. We have extensive experience with dual-finishing, selective treatments, masking, creative jigging and multi-process finishing of complicated parts to achieve exceptional results. Get in touch with us for your next tricky project.
We provide a fast, high-quality plating service that you can rely on. Customers from all over the UK and beyond choose us for our attention to detail and superior standards. Our quality system is designed to spot issues before they happen and save you time and money. We have an on-site laboratory for continual monitoring of tank chemicals, we do a full visual inspection of parts before and after processing, and we check thickness using eddy current gauges.
Choose a service that gets it right first time with fast turnaround and friendly service to match - get in touch with us today.