(1) Scope

This section defines standards on electroless nickel and phosphorous alloy plating applied on the significant surfaces of metal (steel, copper, and aluminum) basis and their alloy substrates in order to add anticorrosion and abrasion-resistant properties.

(2) Grades, symbols, and minimum plating thickness, etc.

[Table 1] shows the details.

[Table 1] Grades, symbols, and plating thickness for electroless nickel plating and phosphorous plating

(3) Chemical composition of plating film

[Table 2] shows the details.

[Table 2] Chemical composition of plating film

(4) Hardness of plating film

Use a micro Vickers hardness meter to measure the hardness. Set the hardness at Hv500 or greater. Depending on the heat treatment, set a value from Hv600 to 1000. (The plating thickness of this measurement sample must be at least 50 µm.)

(5) Plating adhesion

Perform a bending test to make sure that the plating is free from flaking or swelling. The adhesion improves by the heat treatment processes described in [Table 3].

[Table 3] Heat treatment for adhesion improvement

(6) Corrosion resistance of plating

This property can be measured by a neutral salt spray test, etc

(7) Abrasion resistance of plating

This property can be measured by a reciprocating wear test.

(8) Solder wettability of plating

Perform a test similar to that used for industrial silver plating.

(9) Hydrogen embrittlement removal after plating

If it is necessary to perform another heat treatment on a thermal-treated steel product for hydrogen embrittlement removal, perform the treatment at 190 to 230°C within four hours from the plating work. The heating time varies depending on the plating thickness and should be determined and agreed between the parties concerned.

(10) Symbol

ELp-Fe/Ni(90)-P 20

Electroless nickel plating consisting of 90% nickel and 10% phosphorous, 20 µm thick on a steel substrate