Electroless Nickel

Electroless nickel plating is an autocatalytic surface finishing process used to deposit a uniform nickel-phosphorous coating onto metallic substrates without the use of an external electrical current. Unlike conventional electroplating, the process incorporates a controlled chemical reduction reaction, allowing nickel to be deposited consistently across complex geometries, including recesses, bores, edges, and internal surfaces. This makes it the preferred method for geometrically challenging parts.

The coating provided provides a combination of corrosion resistance, wear resistance, hardness, lubricity, and dimensional uniformity, which makes electroless nickel suitable for demanding applications across industrial, automotive and most importantly, aerospace.

Electroless nickel coatings typically consist of nickel and phosphorus, with the option to co-deposit PTFE for further lubricity. Generally, there are three types of electroless nickel coatings; low, medium, and high phosphorous for different applications that require weaker or stronger corrosion resistance and hardness. The coatings can be heat treated to increase hardness as well.

Aerotech electroless nickel plating is performed using tightly controlled process parameters to achieve repeatable coating thickness, composition, hardness, and surface finish in accordance with the required specifications.

At Aerotech Processing Solutions, we are capable of plating under the industry standards AMS 2404, Mil-C-26074 (Cancelled), and other prime specs. We are proficient in capturing all specification parameters through contract review and engineering analysis.

Relevant Specifications:

AMS 2404; Mil-C-26074; other Prime Specs