Zinc Nickel Plating: Superior Corrosion Protection for Harsh Environments
One of the many different metal finishes that Reid specializes in is zinc-nickel plating. While a relatively recent type of coating compared to others, zinc-nickel plating has proven to be an excellent finish, suited for challenging environments, exhibiting a corrosion resistance that’s comparable to the more expensive cadmium plating.
What is zinc-nickel plating–and how does it work?
Zinc-Nickel is a high performance alkaline coating that imparts exceptional corrosion resistance to metal parts on the same level of the traditional cadmium plating. The combined alloy of Nickel with Zinc creates a unique composition that corrodes far more slowly than zinc alone–getting the best of zinc’s sacrificial coating properties and Nickel’s high strength and hardness. The Zinc in the alloy acts as a sacrificial coating, degrading before the metal underneath, while the Nickel remains to further protect the material for far longer than either coating could do on its own.
Superior protection–even in harsh conditions
Zinc Nickel plating combines the best of both worlds–zinc’s superior corrosion resistance and Nickel’s strength, ductility, and hardness. The result is a highly flexible coating that can be improved through secondary processing such as passivation, depending on the requirements of the application. Typically, the coating is applied to parts made of steel, copper, brass, and various types of iron that will encounter either harsh environmental conditions or rigorous operating conditions.
Zinc-Nickel coatings also provide excellent heat and wear resistance. This is especially useful for moving parts, or parts that will regularly encounter rigorous operating conditions, such as those used in the components of landing gears, actuators, flap tracks, and other aviation equipment. Its corrosion resistance also lends well to a wide variety of environments, no matter how harsh, making the finish an excellent choice for parts used in industrial equipment, fasteners, and military equipment.
In addition, this particular type of plating is also very ductile, and produces a thin and uniform coating. This contributes to the coating’s durability, allowing it to endure high amounts of stress without compromising the metal underneath.
In need of a supplier of zinc nickel plating and other finishing services?
Reid Metal Finishing offers several decades of experience in a wide range of metal finishes, zinc-nickel plating included. To request a quote, or to learn more about what we can do for you, check out our website today.
