As an expert in the field of sophisticated surface technology, Pallas GmbH & Co. KG has extensive experience and know-how, particularly in the delicate area of chemical nickel plating of turned or milled aluminum components. To minimize the risk of failure, critical components are given a technical coating at Pallas in Würselen before their first use, which makes them more resistant to abrasion and corrosion. As an established, functional coating against wear and corrosion, electroless nickel is clearly superior to all other galvanic processes, according to the manufacturer.
Excellent corrosion resistance
The layer deposited without external current makes it possible to coat even very complex geometries, internal threads or fits with contour accuracy and micrometer precision. The process is used on components made of steel, stainless steel, non-ferrous metal or aluminum. Excellent corrosion resistance and tribological properties as well as hardnesses almost comparable to hard chrome characterize the protective coatings produced in this way. Their contour accuracy, dimensional stability, ductility and absence of pores also qualify them for a wide range of applications, as this finishing process is particularly efficient for complicated component geometries.
No Faraday cage
In the chemical, autocatalytic process, nickel ions are deposited in an aqueous electrolyte. They build up a uniform nickel-phosphorus alloy. In contrast to electroplated nickel layers, no Faraday cage is created; instead, all intermediate and hollow spaces are surrounded by the bath and nickel-plated in a plane-parallel manner with a layer thickness that can be adjusted with micrometer precision. This means that even geometrically complex components with edges, points or blind holes can be precisely plated.
Elaborate bath guidance
Mastering the complex bath management and the overall very sensitive process is crucial for the quality of the electroless nickel plating. This includes the application-specific pre-treatment with a multi-stage cleaning process, which has a significant influence on the adhesive strength and appearance of the coating. Components are then coated in the electroless nickel bath. Pallas ensures that the chemical composition of the solution remains constant by carrying out continuous analyses and appropriate subsequent dosing. Subsequent heat treatment can achieve a hardness of up to 1,000 HV, similar to hard chrome.