Electrolytic Nickel Plating

With a myriad of functional and decorative applications, Nickel is the most widely used electroplated coating. Nickel can be deposited soft or hard, dull or bright, depending on the process used and the conditions employed when plating.

For functional purposes, in heavy deposits Nickel will smooth out a base metal and offer significant corrosion protection. Pure, un-brightened nickel is often used as a barrier coat for subsequent plated finishes.

In addition, Nickel is used for engineering purposes where brightness is not a concern. Sulfamate Nickel produces a 99.9% pure nickel deposit that is minimally stressed making it an excellent choice for parts that will be flexed, bent or crimped. It is the recommended choice as an under-plate for lead-frames, interconnect pins, and glass-to-metal or ceramic-to-metal seals.

Often used in the automotive, electrical, appliance and hardware industries, one of the most important functions of Bright Nickel is serving as an undercoat for Chrome surface plating.

Nickel offers a wide range of final surface finishing options, with a color ranging from almost white light gray to a condition resembling stainless steel. Further, Electrolytic Nickel’s appearance can be dull matte, satin or bright and shiny, providing many options for designers looking to combine form and function in creative ways.

Benefits

Corrosion protection

Magnetic
Excellent hardness / wear resistance
- Ranges from 150-500 Vickers
Low coefficient of thermal expansion
Ductility
High formability
Solderable
Brazable
Weldable
Appropriate for high temperature applications
Customizable final aesthetic appearance
Can function as an underplate or as a final plating option

Select Applications / Industries

Electronics
Defense
Aerospace
Medical
Telecommunications
Optical
Power Distribution

Physical Properties / Specs

Coating Thickness:

.0002 to .0016 inches

Aesthetic Appearance:

Similar to stainless steel or can be a dull gray or light gray, almost white color

Melting Point:

2561°F (1455°C)

Substrates

Ferrous: All ferrous alloys including many Steel alloys
Cuprous: Pure Copper and all cuprous alloys including Copper Molybdenum, Copper Beryllium (BeCu), Copper Tellurium (TeCu), Brass & more
All Aluminum Alloys Including Wrought, Cast and Proprietary Alloys (MIC-6)
Exotics & Others: Inconel, Kovar, Monel, Tellurium, Magnesium, Nickel, Lead & more

Underplates

Copper
Electroless Nickel
Yellow brass on zinc and zinc-based alloys

Pre-Treatments Available

Mechanical Cleaning
Custom Masking
Chemical Films

Post-Treatments Available

Laser Marking
Engraving
Chemical Films
Hydrogen Embrittlement Stress Relief

Types & Grades

Type I “Dull”
Type II “Brightened”

Specs & Certifications

ASTM B689 --- ROHS Compliant
AMS 2403 --- NADCAP Approved, ROHS Compliant
AMS 2423 --- ROHS Compliant
AMS 2424 --- NADCAP Approved, ROHS Compliant
QQ-N-290 --- NADCAP Approved, ROHS Compliant
AMS-QQ-N-290 --- NADCAP Approved, ROHS Compliant
FED-QQ-N-290 --- NADCAP Approved, ROHS Compliant
AMS-P-27418 --- NADCAP Approved, ROHS Compliant
MIL-P-27418 --- NADCAP Approved, ROHS Compliant
Various company specifications

Please Note

All Steel parts having a hardness of RC40 or greater require a post bake at 375°F ± 25°F for 3 hours
All Steel parts having a tensile strength of 220,000 or greater shall not be nickel plated without specific approval of procuring agency
For corrosion protection Nickel plating shall be applied to an underplating of copper or yellow brass on zinc and zinc-based alloys. In no case shall the copper underplate be substituted for any part of the specified nickel thickness

Contact Us

Depending on your end goals one of AOTCO’s Electrolytic Nickel processes could be an excellent option for your surface finishing needs. If you have a unique part, specialized needs or simply want to work with the best, please reach out and let us know how we can help you achieve the results you need.