Nickel strike coating

1. Characteristics and properties

The nickel-strike process is one of the longest known processes in electroplating. The search for a way to also make high-alloy steels and stainless steels suitable for electroplating led to the Nickel-Strike. The use of this electrolyte, also known as nickel, was documented as early as 1890. Due to the high activity in the electrolyte, even strong passive layers are broken through and adhesive layers are achieved. They are the optimal starting point for further galvanic coatings.

Due to the relatively low deposited layer thickness of only 0.5-1µm, even glossy components are hardly affected and can be further processed with glossy layers – without significantly losing their brilliance. Like ferrous materials, nickel-strike electrolyte coatings are ferromagnetic.

2. Benefits and areas of application

The range of applications for galvanically coated stainless steels is very diverse and includes in particular the automotive industry, the maritime industry, the electrical industry, the construction industry and decorative finishing, especially for outdoor applications. Other possible applications of the Nickel-Strike include the activation of passivated nickel layers and the substitution of pre-copper plating of steels.

3. Basic material

Nickel-Strike is the key to refining all stainless steels and other high-alloy steel materials. Non-ferrous metal alloys which contain lead, silicon, manganese, magnesium, titanium, tungsten or other metals, for example, also require a nickel strike coating in many cases. The layer thickness applied is usually only 0.5-1µm and gives the following coatings complete adhesion. In some cases it is advisable to apply either a layer of copper, electroplated or electroless nickel to the workpiece as a first step after the nickel-strike process, before the goods receive the final coating.

4. Required delivery condition

The goods provided must be largely metallically bright. Residual oils or residual impurities must be removable with conventional aqueous alkaline degreasers. Oils containing silicone, alkali/alkaline earth and high-pressure additives must be avoided at all costs.