How electroless nickel plating is used in aerospace applications

Electroless nickel plating is a type of metal plating process that uses chemicals to create a metallic surface reaction rather than electric currents. The process is used to add a coating of nickel and phosphorus to metal parts for a variety of purposes. The finished results make electroless nickel plating a great choice for the aerospace industry. Let’s take a closer look.

Why is electroless nickel plating used in aerospace?

The use of electroless nickel plating helps to protect surfaces against the specific conditions of space, which can, by nature, be extremely challenging. For example, it works to provide a strong and uniform thickness across surfaces that include complex geometric shapes, and it also protects against hard wear, even in conditions where temperatures vary wildly – such as space. Further, it helps to protect against corrosion caused by jet exhaust fuel and de-icing chemicals.

How is it used in aerospace?

Electroless nickel plating provides a variety of benefits in aerospace applications. For example, it helps to ensure moving parts such as engines, valves, fuel systems, and compression blades can move freely and withstand heat and friction, without needing to add heavy parts. It can also be used to coat heavy-duty parts such as mounts, structural brackets, and parts of the undercarriage that are constantly under attack from salt and harsh atmospheric conditions.

Because electroless nickel plating provides a uniform thickness in deposits on complex shapes, even deep threads and interior parts, it can help engineers meet very strict design requirements without needing lots of machining after the plating process.