Ni (Nickel)

Brief technical description:

• Nickel has a silvery-whitish colour with a slightly bleached appearance. Corrosion protection through nickel coatings is based on the formation of a protective coating (passivation). Nickel is always coated with a very thin but dense Ni oxide layer that ensures corrosion protection. If iron is to be given adequate corrosion protection with nickel, a coating thickness of 25 to 50 µm is required. Nickel is therefore frequently used in coating combinations such as Cu/Ni or Cu/Ni/Cr (matt)/Ni (glossy)/Cr, etc. Cu/Ni (medium corrosion protection) and Cu/Ni/Cr (good corrosion protection) coating systems fulfil both decorative and functional requirements.

• Numerous base materials are coated: Cu and Cu alloys, tin, zinc, lead, steel. Copper materials are usually directly coated with nickel, whereas other materials are mostly copper-plated first to achieve optimal coating adhesion.

Advantages:

• good corrosion protection
• very decorative, can also be polished
• suitable as a base for highly decorative bright chrome or matt velour nickel surfaces.
• good electrical conductivity

Please note:

• Nickel will tarnish when used in contact with air in higher temperature ranges. A suitable top coat (e.g. chrome) should be used for such applications.
• Matt nickel is more resistant to corrosion that the glossy type.

Fields of application:

• Automotive and supplier industry (interior)
• Building machinery
• Consumer items (fashion, design, leisure equipment, etc.)
• Electrical appliances
• Buildings and industrial fittings
• Mechanical engineering
• Optics
• Packaging industry