There are many ways to protect important equipment. Recently, a new process called electroless nickel plating has become a popular alternative to electrolytic plating. Unlike standardized electrolytic plating, electroless nickel plating uses a chemical process to plate the object. Rather than run a current, the entire object is bathed in a special chemical mixture that reaches every bit of the piece, no matter the shape or size. The result is a more even and consistent coating that will protect your equipment from corrosion and wear. If you have pieces of equipment that need plating, electroless nickel plating may be the solution you need. Here are a few reasons why companies are choosing it for their plating needs.

1. Improved Corrosion Resistance

The main reason we have nickel plating of any kind is to help protect important things from corrosion and resistance. Because of how electroless nickel plating is applied, it actually leaves a more consistent plating across the entire surface. The result is a more even plating that improves the corrosion resistance for the entire piece.

2. Coat Almost Anything

As equipment becomes more and more specialized, standardized shapes are becoming less common. The result is plating techniques that do not always coat the entire surface evenly and consistently. With electroless nickel plating, however, you can get the right plating over the entire surface, no matter the shape. So whether it’s a flat piece of metal or a convoluted plastic bit, you can get a plating that covers everything.

3. Save Money

One of the best and most immediate reasons why people choose electroless nickel plating is because it can save you money. Because the entire process is chemical-based, it doesn’t require any energy to undergo the change. This makes the process less expensive at the outset while still providing a quality plating.

Electroless nickel plating also saves you money in the long term as the more consistent coating means longer and better protection. Since corrosion can start at any point of weakness, it’s absolutely key that every part is covered. And when everything has an even coating, it means better resistance for longer.

4. Water Resistance

While we often think of nickel plating for its ability to protect against corrosion, it is also useful for protecting metals and plastics from water. Once again, electroless nickel plating’s chemical process makes for an even plating, meaning your equipment will have a stronger, more consistent coating that protects against corrosion and water. This is especially important for products that operate in or with water.

Electrolytic plating has long been the standard for coating equipment and pieces, but it has some drawbacks. It offers an affordable way to coat pretty standard things, like sheet metal, but it also has a few drawbacks, especially when it comes to irregularly-shaped objects. If you are in need of a cost-effective means to protect your equipment, electroless nickel plating may be what you need. Sun-Glo offers nickel plating services that are affordable and that will keep important, expensive equipment protected for longer.