PTFE electroless nickel is a nickel phosphorous alloy with encapsulated particles of PTFE. The result is a very precise, dry-lubricated, low-friction surface that is extremely hard and wear resistant. Because the PTFE is evenly distributed and locked into the nickel matrix, it is a true, stable composite. If wear occurs, fresh particles of PTFE are exposed to keep the surface lubricated throughout the life of the coating.
The benifits of PTFE electroless nickel plating include long life lubrication for inaccessible parts, increased efficiency and quieter operation for slides, bearings, and cylinder/piston assemblies, reliable operation of moving parts when continuously exposed to solvents or working in cryogenic temperatures, and self lubrication for components in electronic and other sensitive equipment where conventional lubricants would be harmful.
Electroless nickel plating provides a uniform thickness of coating along with hardness, corrosion resistance and durability. It can also replace chrome in some applications and eliminate size variation problems.
Electroless nickel is a nickel/phosphorus alloy and can be plated by chemical reduction without an externally applied electrical current. This allows uniform plating thickness wherever the solution contacts the part. Grooves, slots, threads and even the inside of tubing can have uniform thickness of coating. As a result of the uniformity, many post plating finishing steps such as grinding can be eliminated.
Some reasons to choose electroless nickel plating include:
Deposit Uniformity - In electroplating, variations in current density produce variations in deposit thickness. Achieving the required thickness in low current density areas frequently result in excessive thickness in high current density areas. Since electroless nickel deposits are produced chemically, all surfaces are plated uniformly. This deposit uniformity eliminates the need for post-plating machining operations to achieve the desired dimensional tolerance.
Corrosion Resistance - Electroless nickel coatings provide excellent corrosion resistance for a variety of substrates. Electroless nickel systems have been formulated to produce pore-free and chemically resistant deposits. Even thin deposits can withstand more than 1000 hours of salt spray on properly prepared basis metals.
Hardness - Electroless nickel deposits have high hardness and can be heat treated to further increase hardness.
Abrasion and wear resistance - The high hardness and natural lubricity of electroless nickel deposits offer good abrasion and wear resistance that can be further increased through lubrication. These properties also help to reduce galling of opposing surfaces.
Additional Benefits - Electrical conductivity, bondability, solderability, brazeability, diffusion barrier, non-magnetic, bright attractive appearance
While not all electroless nickel plating is RoHS compliant, Reliable uses only RoHS compliant electroless nickel.
PTFE - Polytetrafluoroethylene is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene
RoHS - Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive
The image below is an approximation of finish appearance. Please reach out to us, or request a quote for more information on PTFE electroless nickel plating.
