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Differences b/w electroless and electrolytic nickel plating

Dear all,
Can one of you suggest what is the differences b/w Electrolytic & electroless nickel plating.
how it will be effected on ferrous & non ferrous materials.
What are the test to be conducted on these plated component to know the corrosion resistance of the same.
Please do the needful at the earliest.

Regards.

Vinay b.s
M/s Areva T&D India Ltd - Chennai, TN, India
2006

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2006

Commenting is in great generalities.
For a given thickness, EN is significantly more expensive.
EN can not be deposited as thick as regular nickel.
EN normally has a better corrosion protection.
EN requires a higher level of experience when things start going wrong.
EN has a more uniform covering capability (gas pockets is an exception in some cases)
EN must have material in the tank once it reaches operating temperature or it will go bad faster and self destruct in some cases.
EN chemistry is significantly more "picky" --It requires frequent analyses or a very good idea of production vs additions.
You really need some training to do EN well.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida