For decades, zinc plating has been used to provide a cost-effective option for parts. The use of zinc nickel plating is particularly important in the automotive industry as well as for use in marine and offshore types of applications.
The addition of the nickel to the standard zinc plating process, which is typically at 12-15% nickel, means that the coating is ideally suited to high-temperature types of applications. Parts with this type of coating can stand up to even high temperatures in engine components, which is essential for automotive use. The addition of nickel also increases the resistance to corrosion, even with salt spray testing, which is ideal for automotive chassis and underside components of the vehicles.
High Corrosion Resistance
As mentioned above, zinc nickel plating is highly resistant to salt spray corrosion. It is also resistant to corrosion by other types of chemicals and chemicals and components in the environment. The addition of the ability to stand up to high temperatures and still maintain the corrosion resistance is one of the key reasons this is the go-to plating option in the automotive industry.
Engines of vehicles of all types are particularly susceptible to the formation of rust due to the various internal fluids used in engines as well as exposure to high humidity and moisture as well as chemicals used on roads.
Enhancing Protection
While zinc nickel plating provides the necessary corrosion resistant coating for basic parts, it also offers excellent adhesion to the surface of the part. This allows for additional use of trivalent passivates to further develop the surface resistance and durability.
For those OEMs exporting parts and components, zinc nickel with the trivalent passivates is a RoHS compliant finish. It is also ideal if the part requires bondable rubber to the metal, which is increasingly used in automotive parts to prevent vibration and noise.