A zinc nickel coating, by which we mean an alloy of zinc and nickel combined, not two separate layers of two different metals, is a surface treatment that can bring a range of advantages, including making an item stronger and more durable.
How the electroplating process works
Zinc nickel plating such as that described at https://www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/plating/zinc-nickel-plating/ is applied through electroplating. This is when an electric current is used to attach the zinc nickel alloy to a conductive metal surface, coating it with a thin but strong protective layer. Depending on the exact process and the base metal used, the finish may be blue, satin black or iridescent.
Advantages of zinc nickel coatings
The layer created by the zinc nickel alloy is stronger, more durable and longer lasting than the original, or a zinc or nickel plating on its own. This means the increased upfront cost is paid back over time. Zinc nickel coatings are resistant to corrosion, heat and mechanical stress, such in moving machine parts. They have replaced cadmium as the electroplating coating of choice because of the health and environmental concerns associated with this toxic heavy metal.
Uses of zinc nickel coatings
It was the automotive industry that first made use of electroplated zinc nickel coatings, but the method has since spread to other industries, including aerospace, rail, oil and gas, renewable energy, agriculture, structural, heavy equipment, telecommunications, utilities, marine and military.
Many industries use zinc nickel coatings on their machines and components to improve durability and corrosion resistance. This approach is now generally preferred to cadmium coatings.
