Abstract of the Offer
CBE in Chesterfield offers electroless nickel plating, delivering uniform, corrosion- and wear-resistant coatings for complex metal components. Suitable for space, aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, and general engineering, it improves durability, surface hardness, and precision. Services cover prototypes to high-volume production, with flexible B2B supply and potential long-term partnerships.
Description
Electroless nickel plating is a chemical process that deposits a uniform nickel-phosphorus coating onto metal surfaces without the use of electrical current. The process relies on an autocatalytic chemical reaction, in which the metal surface itself catalyses the reduction of nickel ions from solution to form a continuous, even layer. This coating can be applied to components of varying shapes and sizes, including complex geometries that may be challenging to plate using conventional methods.
The technology is used in industries where surface protection, wear resistance, and corrosion control are important. CBE+ provides electroless nickel plating for heat sinks used in space to act as conductors. Beyond space applications, the process is relevant to subsea, aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, and general engineering components that require uniform coatings to ensure dimensional stability and reliable performance with potential service lifetimes of 30 years or more under demanding operating conditions.
Advantages and Innovations
Electroless nickel plating deposits a uniform nickel-phosphorus coating through a chemical autocatalytic reaction, eliminating the need for electrical current. Unlike electroplating, it provides consistent coverage on complex geometries, including internal passages and blind holes, where traditional methods may produce uneven or incomplete coatings. Coating thickness can be precisely controlled, typically between 5 and 100 microns, maintaining tight dimensional tolerances with minimal post-processing.
For space applications, this technology is particularly suitable for components that require reliable thermal and electrical conduction, such as heat sinks, and assemblies with complex geometries that must maintain dimensional stability in extreme conditions. The uniformity and hardness of the coating improve resistance to wear, abrasion, and corrosion, while preserving original component dimensions, which is critical in weight- and space-constrained environments.
Electroless nickel plating is compatible with a wide range of metals, including steel, aluminium, copper alloys, and stainless steel. Compared with alternative surface treatments, it provides uniform coatings on complex parts without disassembly, reduces the risk of coating defects, and ensures reproducibility across multiple components. By maintaining structural integrity and reducing the need for post-processing, it can help lower manufacturing complexity and overall lifecycle costs in aerospace and space systems.