The process is based on the electroless reduction of nickel ions to metallic nickel, producing a nickel-phosphorus alloy layer. Depending on the phosphorus content, a distinction is made between mid-phos (6–9 % P) and high-phos layers (> 10 % P). Unlike electrolytic processes, a uniform layer thickness is achieved everywhere regardless of the part geometry – there is no build-up at the edges. Almost all common materials can be coated.
Nickel-phosphorus coatings are homogeneous and non-porous, microcrystalline at 6–9 % phosphorus and X-ray amorphous from approx. 10 % phosphorus. The hardness as deposited is 500–580 HV 0.1. A thermal post-treatment can improve wear behaviour by a factor of 3, to values of up to 1000 HV 0.1 – at the expense of corrosion resistance, as recrystallisation occurs from 200 °C.
Recommended layer thicknesses: 5–10 µm for low, 10–25 µm for moderate, 25–50 µm for heavy and over 50 µm for very heavy corrosion exposure. For optical surfaces we also offer electroless nickel Optic.
Electroless nickel Optic – special process for ultra-precision machining: layer thickness up to 500 µm, component size up to 1600 mm.
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