Welcome to a new informative series from EC Williams, one of the UK’s most trusted providers of electroplating services. This blog post aims to provide an introductory overview of a popular protective coating: zinc nickel plating. We’ll explore what it is, why it’s used, and how it’s transforming various industries.
The Basics
Zinc nickel plating is a type of metal finishing process that deposits a layer of zinc-nickel alloy onto the surface of a substrate. In this alloy, the nickel content usually falls between 12-16 wt%, though it can vary between 10-18 wt% based on specific requirements. The resulting finish provides superior corrosion resistance, making it an essential protective coating for several industries.
Explore Zinc Nickel Plating Projects Here
A Closer Look
The process begins by immersing the component in an electroplating bath containing a solution of zinc and nickel ions. The application of electric current triggers a reaction that causes the zinc and nickel ions to deposit onto the metal surface, creating a uniform, protective layer.
The Value Proposition
The plating’s popularity has soared recently, primarily due to its excellent corrosion protection. It serves as a sacrificial coating, meaning it corrodes preferentially to the underlying substrate metal, thereby providing extended part life. This attribute makes this type of electroplating a preferred solution over other coating methods, especially for ferrous metals, which are susceptible to corrosion.
Eco-Friendly Plating Option
Aside from its corrosion-resistant properties, this type of plating is also considered an eco-friendly alternative to other plating materials like cadmium. In fact, it’s often referred to as one of the best cadmium alternatives. Given the growing focus on sustainability and environmental safety across industries, this feature significantly boosts its appeal.
The Transformational Impact
This plating plays a vital role in a multitude of industries, from automotive to electronics, to fasteners and pressings. In the automotive industry, it’s extensively used to protect parts like fasteners, fuel systems, braking systems, and drive assemblies that require high corrosion performance.
In Summary
This type of plating offers a winning combination of superior protection, extended durability, and environmental safety. As a result, it’s fast becoming an industry-standard in corrosion protection solutions across multiple sectors.
For more informative content like this, feel free to explore our other Blogs OR Get in touch with our expert team at EC Williams. We’re always here to assist you in understanding the world of electroplating and helping you find the best solutions for your needs.
Remember, knowledge is power – the more you know about plating processes, the better positioned you’ll be to make informed decisions for your manufacturing requirements. Stay tuned for more insightful content, and until then, keep innovating!
To read the original article please see here
