What is Electroless Nickel Plating?
Electroless nickel plating (EN) is a layer of nickel-phosphorus alloy on a metal or plastic substrate, and has better anti-wear, anti-friction, and anti-corrosion properties compared with electroplated nickel. The phosphorus content in EN, ranging from 2% to 13%, can be categorized into the following three types:
- ) Low phosphorus EN: Widely applied for CNC parts that require uniform nickel plating thickness both inside and outside.
- ) Medium phosphorus EN: Most commonly seen in industrial and electronic applications or for decorative purposes. The thicker the electroless nickel plating, the brighter the surface, and vice versa.
- ) High phosphorus EN: Best corrosion resistance for CNC precision parts which require resistance to highly corrosive acidic environments. Best surface finish with minimized porosity, nearly pit-free.
The photo below shows workpieces with electroless nickel plating (left) and electroplated nickel (right).
