Surface finishes
Electroless nickel plating services
Electroless nickel plating is a process that deposits an alloy of nickel-phosphorus onto the surface of a metal. This process is chemical only, so does not involve the use of electricity.
| Surface preparation | Tolerances | Cosmetic availability | Thickness | Visual appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth machined (Ra 1.6μm / Ra 63μin) | Apply after Electroless nickel plating | No | 3μm to 40μm | Electroless nickel plated parts will have a smooth, semi-bright appearance. |
Example of an electroless nickel plated part
Design considerations for electroless nickel plating
Masking: Electroless nickel plating does not have a significant dimensional impact, therefore masking parts is not necessary.
The Protolabs Network electroless nickel plating process
Electroless nickel plating is a wear, abrasion and corrosion resistant finish that is compatible with aluminum, stainless steel and mild steel.
Here’s how to apply electroless nickel plating:
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Parts are first washed and degreased to remove any contaminants, cleaning away any grease or oil
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After cleaning is completed, the substrate is activated with another chemical, an acid, to remove oxides and activate the surface.
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Parts are then dipped in the plating chemical solution, depositing the nickel-phosphorus alloy on the parts until desired thickness is reached
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