Nickel Plating & Coating Services

Nickel plating is an electrolytic process that involves depositing a thin layer of nickel onto a metal surface—copper or aluminium. The component is immersed in an electrolyte bath containing nickel salts, and an electric current is used to reduce nickel ions and bond them to the surface, creating a uniform, corrosion-resistantcoating.

Nickel plating enhances protects against corrosion and oxidation, increases surface hardness and mechanical durability, improves thermal resistance, and gives a shiny, aesthetically pleasing finish. Additionally, nickel-plated surfaces are easier to solder and weld.

Nickel-plated components are essential in power generation and distribution, renewable energy, and heavy industry, data centers and AI, railway traction, , telecommunications, automotive, defence,. They are especially useful in systems requiring reliable electrical connections and protection in demanding environments.

The process includes:

• Pre-treatment (cleaning, degreasing, etching)
• Electrolytic deposition in a nickel salt bath
• Control of current density and coating time to achieve desired thickness (1–50 µm)
• Post-treatment rinsing and drying

Electris uses both rack and barrel plating methods for different component sizes and geometries.

Nickel plating is generally cost-effective given its multifunctional benefits. While the cost may be slightly higher than basic coatings, it offers superior durability, and resistance to wear and corrosion, which reduces long-term maintenance and replacement costs.

Nickel plating offers long-lasting protection. With proper thickness and application, coatings can last many years, even in harsh industrial or outdoor conditions. Durability depends on factors such as layer thickness, environment, and mechanical wear.

Nickel acts as a physical barrier that prevents oxygen and moisture from reaching the base metal, effectively stopping rust formation. It’s especially valuable for protecting copper and aluminium parts used in power and industrial applications.

Nickel plating enhances the surface properties of metal components.This process is preferred when the design prioritizes  mechanical durability, long-term corrosion protection, or a solid base for additional coatings It improves provides corrosion and abrasion resistance, and adds an aesthetic, shiny finish. It’s particularly useful for components exposed to harsh environments or requiring strong electrical performance.

Nickel plating is ideal when:

• Surface hardness are critical
• Components require long-term corrosion resistance
• Good thermal conductivity and resistance to high temperature is neededAesthetic improvement is desired
• Further processing (e.g. welding or soldering) is planned

It is often applied to copper or aluminium components in demanding industrial applications.

Electrolytic nickel plating offers several benefits:

• Enhanced thermal conductivity
• Excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance
• Hard and durable surface finish
• Good adhesion and mechanical strength
• Improved visual appearance
• Solderability and weldability for further processing

Nickel plating is widely used in:

• Power generation and distribution
• Data centers
• Railway traction
• Renewable energy
• Electronics and telecommunications
• Automotive and transport
• Aerospace and defence
• Industrial machinery and tooling

It’s especially crucial where precision, performance, and durability are required.

The cost of nickel coating depends on:

• Type and size of the components
• Required thickness of the nickel layer (1 μm to 50 μm)
• Processing complexity and batch size

To receive an individual quote, please contact our team or call us at (+48) 33 874 49 30.

When choosing a supplier, consider:

• State-of-the-art electroplating facilities
• Experience with non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminium
• In-house quality control and testing labs
• Documented certifications and environmental responsibility

Electris stands out with its advanced galvanic plant and commitment to high standards in quality and sustainability.

The nickel electroplating process at Electris includes:

1. Surface preparation (cleaning, degreasing, etching)
2. Immersion in a nickel-salt electrolyte bath
3. Controlled electric current flow for nickel deposition
4. Final rinsing and drying

We handle components up to 2100 mm in length and tailor coating thickness to specification.

Challenges such as poor adhesion, uneven coating, or surface defects can occur if processes are poorly controlled. At Electris, we solve these through:

• Precise surface treatment
• Stable electroplating parameters
• Continuous quality monitoring in our laboratory

This ensures optimal coating quality and reliability for each component.