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
![Example of an electroless nickel plating part](http://images.ctfassets.net/q2hzfkp3j57e/6uNUOjzxQcdhTC3iXQCUC9/35d493c86d749e67cc0848258860237b/Electroless_Nickel_Plating_02.webp?w%3d400%26h%3d400%26fm=png)
![Example of an electroless nickel plating part](http://images.ctfassets.net/q2hzfkp3j57e/4ssbBF2rgD8ETUAlEp3A0d/1a5c5744e159879d0150f4bfd9194c11/Electroless_Nickel_Plating_01.webp?w%3d400%26h%3d400%26fm=png)
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:
-
Parts are first washed and degreased to remove any contaminants, cleaning away any grease or oil
-
After cleaning is completed, the substrate is activated with another chemical, an acid, to remove oxides and activate the surface.
-
Parts are then dipped in the plating chemical solution, depositing the nickel-phosphorus alloy on the parts until desired thickness is reached
![](http://images.ctfassets.net/q2hzfkp3j57e/2jxf0IZ1OPIOhw7dmyR07X/1aa20a0fa051ff13d6a43037e2a5cc64/000_09_01_Electroless_nickel_plating.webp)
Put your electroless nickel plated parts into production today
Get instant quote