Nickel plating is one of the oldest types of electropolishing. Over the centuries, it has become increasingly common to apply a layer of nickel as both a protective and decorative finish. Nickel plating services ensures manufacturers gain a product that possesses certain characteristics that improve the quality of their product. The result is the deposition of approximately 150,000 tons annually. Overall, nickel use is said to be growing at the rate of 4%.
Appealing Nickel
Nickel is naturally silvery-white. This hard metal possesses a luster ranging from satin to bright. The application of a coating of nickel will improve the surface of many substances. Companies choose to electroplate nickel (although electroless nickel plating is indeed more common) to enhance the metal substrate. The reasons are simple. Electroplating nickel improves:
* Wear resistance
* Heat resistance
* Corrosion resistance
* Ductility – How ductile a nickel plating is relied upon the type of electroplating the fabricator employs
Moreover, adding nickel to a substrate can improve the surface in another way. It smooths the surface. In fact, by using nickel, a fabricator can provide the components with a surface that is smooth, consistent and free from any irregularities. Nickel will fill in and up the cracks, holes and irregularities a surface may possess. At the same time, nickel plating does not create dreaded edges during this process.
These functional and aesthetic properties are the main reasons why companies seek out nickel plating services. They ask for the process to cover components of
* Brass
* Copper
* Molybdenum
* Steel
* Uranium
* Zinc
The result of this process is an attractive and functional part or product. With the cost being less expensive than other similar electroplating processes, it comes as no surprise that nickel plating is in common usage in several industries.
Applications for Nickel Electroplating
Nickel electroplating serves many industrial purposes. As the above characteristics indicate, it is a popular choice because of both its functionality and aesthetic properties. Among the industries and items electroplated using nickel are the following:
* Automotive industry
* Bicycle production
* Hardware items
* Household appliances – nickel plating provides appliance components with the double purpose of improved appearance as well as functionality
* Infra structure – with stainless steel
* Jewelry production
* Marine industries
* Medical Equipment
* Plumbing fittings
* Shop fittings
* Telecommunications – cell phones
Nickel plating is a favorite with manufacturing companies who wish to meet the demand for products that require both decorative and functional qualities.
Nickel Plating Services
While electroless nickel-plating first comes to mind when you are looking at plating nickel, this is not the only form to consider. If you want to reduce costs, while producing an excellent quality product – one that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, talk to a fabricator. They can explain to you the difference between the two methods of plating and when it is more advantageous to employ nickel plating services.
