In modern times, corrosion resistant coatings are highly important. Zinc plating has been the standard for an inexpensive coating on steel parts for a number of years. In the automotive industry. However, the standards required for corrosion resistance have increased. Now, a significant increase in the use of zinc nickel plating has taken place as a result of these increased requirements.
The Use of Zinc Nickel Plating
Originally, plating consisting of the zinc-nickel combination were created due to corrosion protection requirements in the auto industry with respect to rub salt, climate conditions, and exposures to temperatures.
The incorporation of nickel in the thinking nickel combination amounts to about 10 to 15%. Surfaces with this alloy combination provide optimum cathodic corrosion protection and are also resistant to thermal loads as high as 120°C. The surface finish involved is often on powdered metals, ferrous cast components, and steel.
Industries Served by Zinc Nickel Plating
Many industries across the nation, and specifically the companies within those industries, inquire as to the best zinc plating process to use for their individual requirements. Some of the industries that make use of zinc nickel electroplating include:
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Lawn and garden
- Appliance
- Military
- Fasteners
Comparison to Standard Zinc Plating
There are positives and potential negatives to using zinc nickel plating instead of standard zinc plating. A number of the factors include your budget, the requirements of your industry or project, and quality assurance standards. Based on these factors you may decide to choose a particular zinc process that benefits you the most. Some of the advantages and disadvantages between the zinc nickel and standard zinc plating process are listed below.
Advantages of Zinc Nickel vs. Standard Zinc Plating
- Greater corrosion protection – a big difference between the two processes is that you can achieve four times greater corrosion protection with zinc nickel plating
- Greater hardness level – zinc nickel plating has twice the hardness of standard zinc plating
- Strong adhesion properties – with new additives for zinc nickel plating, the bending (adhesion) properties are not much different than with standard zinc plating.
A comparison of corrosion performance versus cost can help you decide the best choice between zinc nickel plating and standard zinc plating.
