Nickel Compounds Are More Viable Than Steel

Nickel composite coatings are made by electroplating or electroless plating, where a layer of nickel is deposited onto a metal part and fine, hard particles, such as silicon carbide, are trapped within the nickel as it builds up. Electroplating itself has been around since the 19th century, and coatings like these have come a long way thanks to the work of firms like Poeton.

Why Nickel?

Nickel is widely used in engineering, aerospace and defence because it is tough, resists corrosion and copes well with heat. Combining it with hard particles creates a coating that is much more resistant to wear than nickel on its own, while the underlying part keeps its strength.

Where Nickel Composites Are Used

Nickel composite coatings are used where a part must be extremely hard-wearing, with a high tolerance to friction and wear. Typical uses include engine and transmission components, moulds, valves and other parts that slide against each other. A nickel composite coating can help these parts last longer without wearing, corroding or galling, reducing maintenance and downtime.