Benefits of Plating with Zinc-Nickel

Metals and Mining Review | Thursday, May 27, 2021

Summary: Today's higher-alloy systems use chemical technology to create a bright, ductile deposit with an even thickness and alloyed distribution across a broad density range.

FREMONT,CA:For many industries with high-corrosion and high-performance requirements, zinc-nickel has become the finish of choice. It is a fast-growing segment of the electroplating industry, with consumption nearly quadrupling in the last five years. The alloy has several properties that manufacturers in the fastener, casting, aerospace, and heavy machinery industries find appealing. It is also being used in the defense industry as a possible cadmium substitute. Most zinc-nickel deposits in the 12-to-15 percent alloy range produce a coating that can last 250 hours or more before showing signs of white corrosion and 1,000 hours or more before showing signs of red corrosion.

Hardness, Heat Resistance, And High-Alloy Benefits

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Vickers hardness of zinc-nickel deposits ranges from 400 to 500 HV, while zinc-only deposits have a hardness of about 100 HV. Since handling and assembly can damage softer coatings like zinc and zinc flake, zinc-combination nickel's of hardness and overall corrosion resistance make it suitable for fasteners and components that need additional handling or assembly.

Another great advantage of the zinc-nickel alloy deposit is its overall heat resistance. Many industry specifications call for baking, and the zinc-nickel deposit can withstand temperatures above 200°C for four hours while also providing 800 hours of neutral salt spray protection against first red rust. For barrel applications, zinc-nickel is widely used on stampings and fasteners, and brake part castings in rack applications are extensively used.

Most zinc-nickel systems contain a similar alloy deposit, with a nickel content ranging from 12 to 15 percent on average. Early systems used a lower alloy of 5–7 percent, but those systems are no longer in use. Today's higher-alloy systems use chemical technology to create a bright, ductile deposit with an even thickness and alloyed distribution across a broad density range. When a black appearance is needed in the finished component, zinc-nickel is the best coating option, as the nickel in the alloy lends itself to blackening.

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