3 Reasons To Use Zinc Nickel Plating On Your Parts

Adding a zinc plating to parts increases their strength and longevity. However, not all zinc coatings work in exactly the same way or give the same levels of protection. If you're looking for the most robust option, then a mixed zinc and nickel plating could suit your needs. Here, zinc is mixed with a percentage of nickel before being applied to a part. What are the benefits of using this alloy?

1. Better Resistance to Corrosion

One of the main reasons to add plating to parts is to give them extra resistance to corrosion. The more protection a metal part has against rust, the longer it will last. While zinc coatings offer some basic protection here, you may need to add a lot of plating to get the level of coverage you need.

A zinc-nickel mix handles corrosion more effectively than zinc alone. It creates a better passivation effect in its shell coating. This mix also has sacrificial properties. If the plating gets scratched, it will take on any corrosive effects itself rather than letting them on to the underlying part.

Plus, you get more corrosion protection with a thinner application. If you need to keep plating to a minimum because your parts need to be connected or in close proximity to each other, then you won't add too much thickness with this plating.

2. Better Heat Stability

Not all plating materials handle high heat all that well. In some cases, the coating may start to melt or to lose some of its protective qualities. A zinc-nickel plating has a high heat tolerance. It won't burn, melt, or blister as easily as other alloys. It also handles thermal stress that might affect other parts on a finished product without any adverse effects.

3. Better Protection Against Damage

Zinc coatings set hard; however, zinc-nickel alloys set harder. The nickel in the plating boosts the basic hardness of the zinc to create a stronger solution. This extra hardness produces a more robust shell. A part with this plating is less likely to wear or to break.

A zinc-nickel plating also creates a smooth and even coat. Surfaces don't tend to have any irregular or uneven areas on them. Again, this adds to their strength. Smooth surfaces are less likely to suffer from friction damage. They don't abrade that easily.

To learn more about the best way to plate your parts, contact zinc-nickel plating services.