Nickel plating is a popular metal finish used in a variety of industries, helping to protect the surface of materials and add a decorative finish. With various approaches available, including electroless nickel plating, this finish is commonly used and cost-effective. Let’s look at six industries that use nickel plating heavily within their manufacturing operations.
1. Aviation
Electroless nickel plating, which is available from surface treatment specialists such as poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/plating/electroless-nickel-plating, has huge benefits in aerospace and aviation for a variety of parts, including fuel system parts, landing gear, turbine blades, and fasteners. Plating with electroless nickel means the parts can resist mechanical stress and high heat, which is essential in aviation.
2. Automotive
Nickel plating is used for engine parts, exhaust systems, and fuel systems; in addition, it can be applied as a decorative trim. It helps to resist heat exposure, corrosion, and wear, meaning that nickel-plated components last longer.
3. Electronics
Nickel plating is used widely in the electronics industry for coating circuit boards, connectors, and semiconductors. The properties of nickel are perfect for ensuring electronic devices work efficiently and reliably.
4. Medical devices
In the medical device manufacturing industry, nickel plating is used to protect and fortify implants, surgical instruments, and dental tools. The material is suitable for medical applications due to it being robust and biocompatible.
5. Oil and gas
Again, for the oil and gas sectors and also for industrial machinery, electroless nickel plating can be used to fortify and protect pumps, valves and tools from wear and corrosion. These parts tend to be used in harsh environments in which temperatures and chemicals can otherwise affect their performance and lifespan.
6. Jewellery
Last but not least, nickel plating is used to provide a decorative finish to jewellery and other household items. Its pleasing finish adds aesthetic value without the higher cost of traditional jewellery materials, such as silver or gold.
Nickel plating is versatile, valuable, and used widely across the modern world. The value of this versatile, hard-working metal cannot be underestimated.
