Electroless nickel plating, hard chromium plating, and epoxy or thick paint coatings are some of the most effective ways to protect your parts from high temperatures, corrosion, abrasion, or chemical exposure. These specialized coatings improve the longevity and performance of parts in the field. Seacole’s expert technical team will work with you to find the ideal support chemistries to ensure your parts can withstand even the harshest environments.
Electroless Nickel Plating for Corrosion Resistance and Uniformity
Electroless nickel plating improves part uniformity during production and provides superior corrosion resistance once parts are in use in the field, especially in extreme environments.
Benefits of Electroless Nickel Plating
Electroless nickel plating offers manufacturers several key benefits for parts that must perform to the highest standards, even in the harshest environments.
- Even Coating Coverage ensures uniform thickness, even on complex geometries.
- Superior Corrosion Resistance from the nickel-phosphorous alloy that forms a protective barrier around your part so it can resist moisture, chemicals, and oxidation.
- Non-Magnetic and Chemically Stable parts are ideal for applications that require non-magnetic parts and parts that are resistant to harsh chemicals.
- Wear- and Abrasion-Resistant parts can be hardened through heat treatment to improve durability in high-friction environments.
End Applications of Electroless Nickel Plating
The benefits of the electroless nickel plating process make it ideal for several extreme end applications. Parts plated with this process are found in marine and offshore equipment, where they must resist saltwater corrosion. Electroless nickel plated parts are also used in the aerospace industry and medical device industry to ensure dimensional accuracy (and in the case of medical devices, biocompatibility).
Furthermore, food processing equipment manufacturers may use electroless nickel plated parts to ensure their machines comply with FDA regulations overseeing hygiene and corrosion resistance. Finally, electronics and printed circuit board manufacturers may choose electroless nickel plating to produce surfaces that are conductive and oxidation-resistant.
Electroless Nickel Plating Support Chemistries
At Seacole, our expert technical team can work with you to source the electroless nickel plating chemistries you require to produce superior corrosion resistance and uniformity on your parts. Two of our most popular solutions are from our supplier partner Metal Chem.
Meta-Plate UCB is a lead- and cadmium-free medium phosphorus electroless nickel process designed for the aluminum connector and aerospace industries. It is easy to use, highly effective, and offers exceptional copper initiation, ductility, and tank stability.
Meta-Black Midnite is an electroless nickel plating process for end applications that require low reflectivity. The chemistry produces industry-leading light absorbance through matte black deposits that is free of loose smut and resistant to neutral salt spray exposure.
Hard Chromium Plating for Maximum Wear and Hardness
Hard chromium plating, also known as industrial chrome plating, protects part surfaces from extreme temperatures, intense friction, and corrosion.
Benefits of Hard Chromium Plating
Hard chromium plating provides several key benefits for parts under extreme stress in their end applications.
- Exceptional Hardness that makes parts highly resistant to wear and abrasion.
- Friction Reduction that improves performance in high-contact mechanical components.
- Corrosion and Oxidation Resistance that provides a barriers against chemicals, oxidation, and moisture.
- High Temperature Resistance without degrading, making parts suitable for high-temperature environments.
End Applications of Hard Chromium Plating
Because of its numerous benefits, the hard chromium plating process is ideal for many parts that must perform well in extreme environments. These include the aerospace and aviation industries, where hard chromium plated parts are used in landing hear, hydraulic actuators, and engine parts. They are used for similar functions in automobiles and heavy equipment, too.
Hard chromium plated parts are also used in the oil gas industry and in manufacturing and tooling to extend durability in high-wear environments.
Epoxy and Thick Paint Coatings for Chemical and Impact Resistance
Epoxy and thick paint coatings can improve resistance to chemicals, impact, and moisture. This is helpful where structurally protecting and insulating parts is required. Most products are high-performance polymers and resins that create a protective layer over the surface of your part.
Benefits of Epoxy and Thick Paint Coatings
Epoxy and thick paint coatings provide several key benefits for parts that require chemical and impact resistance.
- Chemical and Moisture Resistance for protection against acids, solvents, and corrosive substances.
- Thermal and UV Stability to resist heat, UV radiation, and extreme weather.
- High-Impact Resistance to withstand mechanical damage and heavy use.
- Versatile Formulations that can be tailored to your specific environmental challenges.
End Applications of Epoxy and Thick Paint Coatings
A number of industries use epoxy and think paint coatings to protect their parts. These coatings are frequently used on bridges and other infrastructure, including steel structures, pipelines, and concrete surfaces to prevent corrosion and degradation. Likewise, they are used on industrial equipment to protect machinery and chemical storage tanks from aggressive environments.
Additionally, epoxy and thick paint coatings protect parts used in the marine and offshore drilling, automotive, and heavy machinery industries. They provide waterproofing and salt resistance as well as rust resistance and protection against wear, even in the harshest end applications.
Epoxy and Thick Paint Coating Support Chemistries
Seacole carries a variety of paint prep, rust inhibitor, and pre-paint cleaners. These support chemistries ensure your parts are cleaned, prepped, and protected before epoxy or thick paint is applied. Hubbard Hall Emerald Pain Prep 380 NP is a phosphate-free formula for treating steel, zinc, and aluminum surfaces. This conversion coating is an excellent base for paint and provides exceptional corrosion resistance.
We also offer several rust inhibitor formulations to treat parts that can then be painted without removing the inhibitor. One example is 577 Rust Inhibitor for steel and iron parts. It reacts and passivates steel surfaces without leaving a residue behind. This is ideal for short-term storage after cleaning or mass finishing of your steel or iron parts.
Choose the Right Coating for the Job
Choosing the right coating for your parts can improve their performance in the field, extend their usefulness, and prevent failures due to the pressures of an extreme environment. Seacole offers support chemistries for electroless nickel plating, hard chromium plating, and epoxy and thick paint coatings to improve the performance and durability of each of these processes.
Our experienced technical sales team can help you determine the chemistries your process requires. Reach out to a member of our team today for expert support.
