Electroless Nickel

Overview

Electroless Nickel is a hard, wear resistant and corrosion resistant coating used in applications where a uniform thickness is required. It is useful in service where temperatures may reach 1000°F.

Since the nickel is deposited without current, Electroless Nickel coats uniformly on complex shapes with recessed surfaces. Post-baking is available to further increase hardness.

Key Properties
Hard & Wear Resistant — Post-bake to increase hardness

Corrosion Resistant — Reliable protection in harsh environments

High Temp Rated — Serviceable up to 1000°F

Process Advantage
Uniform Deposition
  • Deposited without electrical current — no rack marks or uneven buildup
  • Coats complex shapes, recessed surfaces, and blind holes uniformly
  • Ideal where tight dimensional tolerances are required
Rack/Wire
Conventional Barrel
Vibratory Barrel

Specifications
MIL-C-26074 / AMS-C-26074
Military & AMS Electroless Nickel
Grade A – .001″ min · Grade B – .0005″ min · Grade C – .0015″ min
Class 1 – As deposited, no post-bake
Class 2 – 500°F / 4 hr min – Steel
Class 3 – 375°F / 1 to 1.5 hr – Aluminum
Class 4 – 250°F / 1 to 1.5 hr – Aluminum

ASTM B733
Electroless Nickel-Phosphorus
Type IV – 5% to 9% Phosphorous
SC0 – 4 µin min · SC1 – .0002″ min · SC2 – .0005″ min
SC3 – .0010″ min · SC4 – .0030″ min

AMS 2404 — Plating Classes
Electroless Nickel Deposit
Class 1 – No heat treat
Class 2 – 450°F / 4 hr min – Steel
Class 3 – 375°F / 1 to 1.5 hr – Aluminum
Class 4 – 250°F / 1 to 1.5 hr – Aluminum

AMS 2404 — Post Heat Treat
Hardness Enhancement
Class 1 – As deposited, no heat treat
Class 2 – 500°F / 20 hr – Steel
Class 3 – 375°F / 2 to 4 hr – Steel
Class 4 – 250°F / 1 hr – Aluminum
Class 5 – 295°F / 1 hr – Aluminum & Copper
Class 6 – 590°F / 1 hr – Titanium

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