In the past five years, industries have been looking to increase the corrosive resistance of the components of their products. Originally, cadmium was the answer. Not only did it possess excellent anti-corrosion properties, but it was also self-lubricating. However, the toxic nature of the substance and its need for cyanide baths soon occasioned a demand for a substitute. The result was the development of zinc-nickel plating.
Why Zinc Nickel Electroplating?
In many industries, ferrous material is in high use. Iron and steel are basic components of many products in automotive and heavy equipment concerns. They require goods that are truly durable. Zinc-nickel plated deposits meet this requirement. They:
* Improve the basic characteristics of the ferrous substrate
* Provide improved resistance to corrosion
* Has high wear resistance
* Increase the longevity
* Deliver durability and hardness
* Good weldability
* Solid paintability
Overall, the use of zinc-nickel plating on ferrous substrates to provide these properties is a catalyst driving the demand for the process by certain industries. Furthermore, the higher demand results in increased research that, in turn, advances the process while reducing the costs.
Industries and Applications
In North America, industries are driving the increase in zinc-nickel electroplating for ferrous materials. The major markets are in durable goods. This includes the following industries:
* Automotive: In engine components to withstand the tempering caused by high engine temperatures
* Agricultural: Heavy equipment components
* Electrical Transmission: In the production of anchors, cleat bolts, and coaxial cables
* Fastener Industry: For corrosion protection
* Defense Industry: Replaces cadmium
No matter what the industry, companies use zinc-nickel electroplating to protect from corrosion and as a replacement for cadmium.
Zinc-Nickel Plating
Protecting ferrous metal products, particularly those of steel, is big business. Almost half of the current world’s consumption of zinc goes towards this end. Applications in the automotive, agricultural and electrical equipment industries are continuing to drive this movement. The ongoing improvement of zinc-nickel plating resulting in decreased costs ensures this trend will continue.
