Electroless Nickel Coating Cost Factors

Electroless Nickel Coating Cost Factors

The key cost factors for electroless nickel plating that affect price are listed below to help ensure that you have an accurate estimate of costs and are able to request necessary information from potential platers.

Phosphorus Content and Alloy Grade

Different grades of Electroless Nickel Coating have different Phosphorus content. Some are designed to be medium to high Phosphorus, and others are low Phosphorus. The chemistry involved in these processes means that there is more input cost in higher Phosphorus grades. However, the process is also more difficult to control and maintain for high Phosphorus baths, so it is only worth paying extra for if you really need the properties it confers.

Part Size, Weight, and Batch Volume

Larger or heavier parts will use more bath chemistry per piece and possibly extend cycle times. However, the largest factor is the volume of the part(s) within a batch. Running a single component as a full tank setup has the same overhead as a moderate-sized batch of that component, thus reducing unit cost greatly as the components are run in a single setup.

Substrate Material and Pre-Treatment

The cost of parts pre-treatment can vary widely, depending on the base materials to be plated, such as steel, aluminium and stainless steel. As an example, aluminium typically requires a zincate activation process prior to plating, whilst stainless steel may require an aggressive etch in order to obtain coating adhesion. Such processes typically increase the amount of process chemicals required and also increase the process time and related labour costs. Also of importance, many nickel compounds used in the electroless nickel plating process are affected by the REACH regulations concerning chemical process inputs to plating processes.

Coating Thickness and Number of Passes

Thicker coatings take longer to deposit and use more chemicals. A 25µm coating will typically cost less than a 75µm coating and, where wear resistance is required, only the minimum functional thickness needs to be specified.

Masking, Racking, and Handling

Masking: Your uncoated areas will need masking up prior to coating. This is extremely time-consuming and costly, with rates charged on an hourly basis.

Have your plater detail out each of these cost drivers in advance of them quoting your parts for plating, so you can get a more realistic view of the costs involved.