Sulfamate Nickel Plating

This process is run without the addition of any brighteners or levelers. It is used primarily in applications where ductility, low stress and solderability are required. Parts range from washers to pins and eyelets used for glass to metal seals for electronic applications.

Sulfamate nickel plating produces a 99.9% pure deposit devoid of organic brighteners or levelers. The high purity of the deposit affords temperature resistance up to the 1400C+ melting point of pure nickel. The deposits have a full matte appearance with a slight yellow or golden cast not popular for decorative appeal. The deposits have extremely low deposit stress that can be in the compressive range. The low stress of sulfamate nickel plating yields nickel deposits with ductility, elongation and machinability far superior to other nickel deposits. Sulfamate nickel plating excels in joining applications including brazing, soldering, over molding, epoxy bonding and welding. The high purity and lack of codeposited organics improves the wetting of the nickel deposit when soldering and makes sulfamate nickel plating the preferred underplate and diffusion barrier when tin plating, silver plating or gold plating for solderability or brazing. In addition, the unleveled matte surface makes sulfamate nickel plating the choice for adhesion in over-molding or epoxy bonding applications.

WHAT SUBSTRATES ARE COMPATIBLE WITH SULFAMATE NICKEL PLATING?

Sulfamate nickel is a versatile material that works with a wide range of plating processes and various substrates such as:

Ferrous alloys including stainless steel, mild steel and tool steels
Pure copper and copper alloys such as beryllium, brass and nickel-silver
Wrought and cast aluminum and other proprietary aluminum alloys
Superalloys such as Inconel, Monel, Hastelloy and cobalt-chromium

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SULFAMATE NICKEL PLATING?

Sulfamate nickel can provide a host of metal finishing benefits. Some of the advantages of sulfamate nickel plating include:

Corrosion protection: Sulfamate nickel’s combination of density, purity and consistent deposit structure provides superior corrosion resistance. It’s a good choice for workpieces that will be exposed to wet or humid climates. The use of extreme heat treatments and diamond composites can further enhance the anti-corrosion properties.
Wear resistance: A sulfamate nickel coating will harden the surface of the substrate and increase its resistance to normal wear and tear. The finished product will last longer and deliver more value to the end user.
Temperature resistance: Sulfamate nickel exhibits strong heat-shielding properties. Use it to protect products exposed to high temperatures and extreme heat that could damage critical parts and components.
High tensile strength: A sulfamate nickel coating will increase the substrate’s resistance to breaking under tension. The additional strength is ideal for applications where products undergo extreme stress
Ductility: Sulfamate nickel increases the ability to stretch the workpiece without breaking it. This property is advantageous for processes such as sheet metal fabrication, during which a high level of material deformation occurs.
Machinability and solderability: Although sulfamate nickel plating makes a workpiece stronger and more durable, it can also make it easier to cut, which is ideal for most machining processes. It also enhances solderability.
Achieving dimensional corrections: It’s possible to achieve a precise and consistent deposit structure with sulfamate nickel plating, which is beneficial when modifying the dimensions of a workpiece.
Price: The cost is another of the many advantages of sulfamate nickel plating. Although it is typically more expensive than sulfate nickel plating, it is more affordable than many other metal finishing finishes.
Speed: It’s easier to achieve high-speed plating with sulfamate nickel than “standard” plating processes, shortening manufacturing cycles and increasing productivity.
Quality: The relatively simple bath composition of a sulfamate nickel solution makes the plating process easier to control, resulting in higher quality results.