The chemical nickel plating process is a surface treatment that involves depositing a nickel-phosphorus alloy onto an object without the use of an external source of electrical energy. The reaction is autocatalytic: the metal is deposited evenly through a controlled chemical reaction that takes place directly on the surface of the workpiece immersed in the bath.

Unlike the electrochemical nickel plating process, chemical nickel plating ensures a perfectly uniform thickness across the entire surface, regardless of the object’s geometry (blind holes, threads and internal cavities are coated with the same precision as the edges).

As with any surface treatment, the substrate must undergo a rigorous cleaning and chemical activation process to ensure that the reaction is initiated.

• Chemical nickel plating is chosen primarily for its exceptional functional properties, which often surpass those of electrochemical processes:
• Absolute uniformity: It is not affected by the ‘tip’ effect (accumulation of metal on the edges), whilst maintaining extremely tight dimensional tolerances.
• High hardness: The coating is very hard and can be further increased through heat treatment (up to 1000 HV).
• Resistance to corrosion and wear: The presence of phosphorus makes the layer extremely dense and protective against chemical agents and mechanical friction.