ELECTROLYTIC NICKEL PHOSPHOROUS PLATING 

Nickel Phosphorus alloys can be plated by electroless or electrolytic processes.  However the electroless processes are generally limited to the deposition of rather thin but very uniform nickel phosphorus coatings.  This thickness limit is due in part to need for either continuous feed or frequent additions of nickel, phosphorus and stabilizing additives.  Additionally, the high operating temperature of 85 – 90 degrees centigrade and narrow process limits mandate frequent operator attention in order to avoid solution phase or equipment related alloy reduction (crashes). Prior art electrolytic nickel phosphorus plating processes involve the use of high temperature (80 – 90 ˚C), high chloride and frequent additions as well causing serious equipment corrosion and control issues similar to electroless nickel processes.

The patented NASA/University of Alabama in Huntsville electrolytic process is now available to the public as a single component, low cost and maintenance, environmentally amenable plating process.  With this process comes a welcome relief from the cumbersome processes encountered in the past.  The deposit obtained may be acquired to any desirable thickness with low stress and high phosphorus content suitable for single point diamond turning (SPDT) for optical and other precision applications.  The applications are not limited to any specific category and the user is encouraged to experiment with any parts considered as electroless nickel candidates as well as those typically not considered.  The hardness, corrosion resistance, wear resistance and SPDT properties of DE NickelPhos at 11-13 percent are equivalent or superior to electroless nickel deposits of 11-12 percent phosphorus.  Additionally the low cost, increased plating rates, low stress and high throwing power permit use in most engineering and decorative applications.  The low operating temperature, absence of chloride or other halogens, infrequent adjustments and covered plating tanks (recommended) permit unattended operation for extended periods with much reduced environmental issues.  This process may simply be shut off for extended periods of non-use with no precipitation hazards or other restart issues. 

Developed jointly by NASA and the University of Alabama in Huntsville

 Patented by UAHuntsville 

US PATENT 6,406,611

Licensed and Distributed By:

Dawn Research, Inc.

ADVANTAGES OF ELECTROLYTIC NICKEL PHOSPHOROUS PLATING

HIGH QUALITY COATING FOR DIAMOND TURNING

• EXTENDS LIFE OF THE DIAMOND TOOL
• SMOOTH DIAMOND MACHINING

CORROSION RESISTANT

• EXTENDS LIFE OF COATED COMPONENTS
• EXCEPTIONAL FOR HIGH TECH AND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRIES

QUALITY

• NO PITTING, NODULES OR SKIP PLATING - PLATES FLAWLESS LAYERS
• NO RESTRICTIONS ON THICKNESS

COST SAVINGS

• REPLACEMENT COSTS
• PAYROLL
• EQUIPMENT
• WASTE REMOVAL
• ENERGY COSTS

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

APPLICATIONS 

Electrolytic NiP Solution has many applications.  This solution is beneficial to any Operation looking for exceptional corrosion & wear resistance, excellent mechanical  properties, and/or heavy deposits.

A few are listed here:

 1.  Electronics:  CD’s, cable connectors, cabinets and cases, EMI shielding, Mems, connector pins.

2. Optics:  To include but not limited to, diamond turning for precision Optics, rollers for plastic film with various patterns and uses, end use specialty optics diamond turned or otherwise, Fresnel lenses & mirrors, mass production reflectors for security or observation.

3. Industrial:  Cylinders and hydraulics, medical      instruments, composites, decorative plating,  household  appliances, aircraft control components, and much, much more.