Electroless Nickel Plating
Electroless Nickel plating (ENP) is an autocatalytic process whereby a hard and corrosion resistant alloy of Nickel and phosphorous is deposited on a metallic surface. Due to its exceptional corrosion resistance and high hardness, the process finds wide application on items such as valves, pump parts etc.
The main feature of ENP is that being a chemical plating process the deposition is absolutely uniform, and the dimension of components can be maintained within close tolerances without the need to carry out any post plating machining or grinding operations.
ENP is classified according to the Phosphorous contents of the deposits, as,
Low phosphorous
Medium Phosphorous
High phosphorous
Hard Chrome Plating
Hard chrome plating is an electrolytic process in which chromium is deposited onto a metal substrate giving it enhanced properties for durability, wear and hardness. The electrolytic process is generally achieved by passing an electric current through a chromic acid solution (called an electrolyte bath) between two electrodes, one of which will be the substrate which is to be plated. When the current flows between the electrodes, a chemical reaction is induced whereby the chromium metal from the solution is deposited in a thin layer on the component to be plated. This is a very effective treatment for a variety of metals/alloys including steel, copper and brass
which are used in many modern technical applications. It is commonly used in situations where the component needs to be resistant to corrosion such as hydraulic piston rods, gear shafts, and motorcycle forks used in the automotive sector. It is also ideal for processes that require low-friction surfaces for delicate products like textiles and paper.
Nickel Chrome Plating
Nickel chrome plating is the most common plating technique that utilizes nickel and chromium electrodeposits to form a multiple-layered finish on a substrate.The motorcycle and automobile industries use this process to achieve a shiny and glossy appearance on their parts. It forms a hard outer layer that improves the corrosion and wear resistance of the substrate.
Electropolishing
Electropolishing is an electrochemical finishing process that removes a thin layer of material from a metal part, typically stainless steel or similar alloys. The process leaves a shiny, smooth, ultra-clean surface finish. Electropolishing can be thought of as reverse electroplating. Instead of adding a thin coating of positively-charged metal ions, electropolishing uses electric current to dissolve a thin layer of metal ions into an electrolyte solution.
Tin Plating
Tin plating is the process of depositing a coating of solderable tin plating onto the surface of a material via an electrical current. Electroplating tin is an extremely cost-effective process. This is due to tin being so readily available and much less expensive than metals such as gold, platinum or palladium.Tin is a soft, ductile, silvery-white metal that is not easily oxidized in air. It has good conductivity and corrosion resistance while enhancing solderability of substrates that are not otherwise easily soldered to.
Zinc Plating
Zinc plating involves the electrodeposition of a thin coating of zinc metal onto the surface of another metal object, known as a substrate. The zinc coating creates a physical barrier that prevents rust from reaching the underlying metal surface. Zinc is chosen because of its innate ability to fight corrosion. Zinc can provide a corrosion-resistant coating on smaller metal parts such as nuts, bolts,screws and fasteners. In general, most hardware parts are coated with zinc. Zine plating has also gained widespread use in the automotive industry as a means of protecting parts such as
brake pipes, brake calipers and power steering components. Additionally, zinc plating is used in the production of tanks, armored personnel carriers and other heavy military vehicles. Zinc plating can also serve as a protective undercoating prior to painting, as it can promote greater paint adhesion.