| CSL provides nickel plating services using both electroless and electrolytic processes. Each has certain characteristics that make them better suited for specific applications. | |||
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Electroless Nickel |
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| Characteristics: | |||
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Autocatalytic plating; reduces nickel ions without the use of electric current | ||
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It is an alloy plating – most common reducing agent is phosphorus rendering nickel-phosphorus deposition | ||
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Generally used on aluminum and its alloys | ||
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By varying phosphorus content in the deposit, one can attain different properties such as hardness, corrosion protection, and magnetism | ||
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It is a conformal coating and hence the deposit is uniform throughout the geometry of the part being plated: no build-up on the edges or ends | ||
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Easy to solder and braze, but difficult to weld | ||
CSL Capabilities: |
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We offer all ranges of phosphorus content: low, mid, and high | ||
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Non-magnetic, high corrosion resistance coating using high phosphorus content (>11% by weight) | ||
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Meets AMS 2404/5 and AMS-C-26074 specifications covering low, mid, and high phosphorus plating | ||
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Thickness from 0.1 mil to 2.0 mil | ||
Applications: |
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Used extensively in medical, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, and computer industries | ||
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High corrosion resistance, passing 1000 hours of salt spray test | ||
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Hard and smooth coating for aesthetics | ||
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Electrolytic Nickel |
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| Characteristics: | |||
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Uses external electrical current to deposit the metal | ||
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Matte to bright deposit | ||
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Good wear and abrasion resistance | ||
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High corrosion resistance when used as a “duplex” nickel; combination of semi-bright (sulfur-free) and bright nickel | ||
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Many types of baths available for specific engineering requirements | ||
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Magnetic in nature | ||
CSL Capabilities: |
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Sulfamate bath | ||
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Low-stress deposit | ||
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Hard and corrosion resistant | ||
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Hardness minimum of 450 knoops (or minimum 40 Rockwell) | ||
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Resistant to 6 hours of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia exposure | ||
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Meets MIL-P-27418 specification | ||
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Bright nickel bath: Hard and bright deposit | ||
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Meets AMS-QQ-N-290 requirements | ||
Applications: |
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Most widely used types of plating for corrosion and engineering applications | ||
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Major usage in automotive, electrical, appliance, hardware, and medical industries | ||
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Undercoat for chromium plating | ||
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RF/EMF shielding when used with copper | ||
