The pros and cons of zinc and nickel plating

Zinc and nickel plating are two of the most versatile ways to stop corrosion and increase the longevity of components. But which is more suitable for your application? We outline their positives and negatives.

Why choose zinc plating?

Zinc plating is a versatile and cost-effective way to protect metal components used in the automotive and aerospace industries. It’s durable, rust-resistant, and capable of withstanding harsh environments. It’s also a solid choice where sustainability is a consideration, as zinc can be fully recycled and has low energy costs.

While zinc plating has multiple benefits, it also has some downsides. It’s not ideal for applications where friction occurs, and is prone to galvanic corrosion if used with dissimilar metals.

What is nickel plating?

Nickel plating resists corrosion and increases longevity, just like zinc. Additionally, it has excellent high-temperature resistance, making it ideal for applications involving friction. Nickel is also a great choice if you need functionality and aesthetic appeal.

However, nickel plating has some significant environmental challenges. It has high energy requirements, and disposing of waste can be costly. Additionally, nickel plating isn’t suitable for self-lubricating parts and can cause friction in certain applications.

Zinc-nickel plating: the best of both?

Where corrosion is a primary consideration, many manufacturers are switching to zinc nickel coating from experts such as https://www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/plating/zinc-nickel-plating/.

Not only does the process deliver superior protection, but it also significantly reduces maintenance. You won’t incur the additional costs associated with top coats or passivisation, and there’s a much lower risk of galvanic corrosion in applications involving different metals.