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Alternatives to electroless nickel for die cast parts

1996

Hello,

I'm looking for alternatives to electroless Ni coatings on diecast Zinc parts.

I have a diecast Zinc detail. However, I need to coat this due to wear problems. (Abrasive wear).
One solution that I know works fine is electroless Ni with an electrolytic copper layer below.

Now I would like to know if there are any cheap alternatives ?
Exchanging the Zn is not practical here.

Thank You

Hannes Medelius
- Stockholm, Sweden

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A couple of questions for you:

1. Does the entire part have to be plated, or just a select area?

2. What is the source of the wear?

3. How many parts are involved?

Derek Vanek
Independence, Ohio
1996

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Derek,

No I do not need the entire part to be coated, however I do need the coating on the most tricky surface (the inside ).

The wear is caused by a detail made of a glassfibre reinforced polymer which I cannot replace

Roughly 100.000

Regards

Hannes Medelius
- Stockholm, Sweden
1996

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For wear resistance the best coating is still electroless nickel with low phosphor. Sara

Sara Michaeli
Tel-Aviv-Yafo, Israel
1996

I only know of three things that will hold up to the abrasiveness of fiberglass: EN, normally the harder the better. Sara's comment on low phos is good. Consider an Alkaline EN nickel strike rather than copper, The EN tank lasts longer. TWO, Chrome plating which is more expensive if the geometry is complex; and three is vapor deposition of something like titanium nitride which is probably a lot more expensive.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
1996