Our Services

Electroless Nickel (NiP)

Electroless nickel plating is a current-free coating process in which nickel is deposited uniformly on all surfaces of the component – ​​regardless of geometry or current distribution. This results in homogeneous layer thicknesses, even in bores, edges, and internal surfaces, making the process particularly interesting for complex components.

The coating consists of a nickel-phosphorus alloy, the properties of which can be specifically adjusted by the phosphorus content. Depending on the specific formulation, electroless nickel plating offers:
  • Excellent corrosion resistance , even in aggressive environments
  • High wear resistance and low coefficients of friction
  • Uniform layer thickness on all surfaces
We use electroless nickel plating , among other things, as an intermediate layer in aluminum components to ensure secure adhesion for subsequent zinc-nickel or tin-zinc coatings. It is also used on its own when corrosion protection, hardness, and dimensional accuracy are required simultaneously – for example, in the hydraulics, mechanical engineering, electrical, and connector industries.

Through precisely controlled bath parameters and continuous quality monitoring, we ensure that every layer fulfills the required function – from the decorative surface to the heavy-duty technical coating.

Technical data / specifications

  • Uniform layer thickness (electroless process)
  • Very good corrosion and wear protection
  • Hardness, coefficient of friction, solderability, conductivity
  • Composition: Nickel-phosphorus alloy, phosphorus content: 6–9%
  • Melting point: 880 – 900 °C
  • Structure: X-ray amorphous, crystalline after heat treatment at > 300 °C, Ni₃P in nickel
  • Appearance of the coatings: light, gloss-preserving
  • Density: 8.1 +/- 0.1 g/cm3
  • Magnetic properties: weakly magnetic
  • Hardness: approx. 600 HV (0.1)
  • Hardness after tempering:
    ▸400 °C, 1 h: 1030 HV0.1
    ▸300 °C, 8 h: 900 HV0.1
  • Maximum component size: 1000 x 725 x 300 mm.

Application areas

Electroless nickel plating is used wherever components must meet the highest demands for corrosion protection, wear resistance, and dimensional accuracy. Typical applications include mechanical and plant engineering, hydraulics, electrical engineering, and connector and connection technology.

Items coated include housings, springs, valves, bearings, screws, nuts, and electrical contacts. Electroless nickel plating demonstrates its strength particularly with complex geometries, as it coats all surfaces evenly – including hard-to-reach bores and internal surfaces.

Electroless nickel plating is also successfully used on aluminum parts. Here, it often serves as an intermediate layer to ensure secure adhesion for subsequent electroplating. This combines the advantages of aluminum – low weight and good conductivity – with reliable corrosion and wear protection.

Quality and process reliability

At Electroless Nickel, we place the highest value on consistent coating quality and reliable processes. Every coating step is precisely monitored to ensure exact adherence to coating thicknesses, hardness values, and uniformity.

Our baths are continuously monitored and controlled according to strict parameters, ensuring that every batch meets the required specifications. In addition, we regularly test for corrosion and wear behavior to guarantee that the coatings function reliably even under demanding conditions.

These measures ensure that your components always achieve the desired functionality, durability and technical performance – from decorative coatings to highly stressed industrial components.

Basic materials

We offer electroless nickel plating on the following base materials:
  • Non-ferrous metals
  • Alloyed and unalloyed steels
  • Aluminum