Three electroless nickel composite coatings
There are a number of different nickel composites that can be used in the electroless nickel coating process, depending upon the user’s requirements and the environmental conditions to which the treated product will be exposed. To determine which is most appropriate for your circumstances, you need to consider the performance requirements of the end product and select your coating accordingly. Some of the most common nickel composites include:
1. Polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE
Best known as Teflon®, when mixed with electroless nickel, this composite coating delivers a hard, self-lubricating, non-stick coating to the material to which it is adhered. This makes it a popular choice for the automotive and engineering industries where the application of traditional lubricants could harm mechanical components.
2. Nickel Boron
When electroless nickel is combined with boron, it creates a coating with excellent wear and corrosion resistance. This composite also dissipates heat effectively, making it a popular alternative to hard chrome in environments where cost efficiencies are sought without compromising on safety or efficacy, such as defence and aerospace.
3. Apticote 460
Pioneered by enterprises such as poeton.co.uk/advanced-treatments/apticote-460-nickel-composites, Apticote 460 nickel composites impart the protective benefits of polymers to the natural hardness and corrosion resistance of nickel. This imbues the treated material with excellent wear resistance, self-lubrication and non-stick properties, making it suitable for use in a wide range of industrial settings.
In conclusion, choosing the right nickel composite for your product requires a deep understanding of the environment in which the product will be used and the rigours to which it will be subjected. When in doubt, it is always best to consult with a surface treatment professional to ensure that you select the most appropriate coating for your particular circumstances. This will not only improve the effectiveness of your product but also present long-term cost efficiencies.
