Have you ever heard of AMS 2404 electroless nickel plating? This method covers materials with a thin coat of nickel and provides specific standards in the process of plating. Let’s explore the benefits of plating with nickel and the reason for specs like AMS 2404.
Why Plate with Nickel?
If you were to simply dip materials in melted nickel, they would come out coated. However, some areas would have a much thicker or thinner coating than others and this is not acceptable for most applications today.
Electroless plating uses a chemical reaction to literally transfer atoms of nickel to another material. No electrical current is used with this method. This is the best way to plate oddly shaped parts and items. In addition to even coatings, nickel alloy provides a great deal of protection against corrosion. This is very important for metal parts exposed to harsh environments.
Plating with nickel helps to protect many parts against excessive wear. In fact, it can increase hardness level significantly. This gives you more durable parts with added corrosion resistance and they will have a high shine, which is very pleasing to the eye.
What is AMS 2404 Electroless Nickel Plating?
In order to maintain compliance (and qualify for government and aerospace contracts) plating companies must meet standards like AMS 2404. 2404 is the replacement standard for Mil-C-26074. The standard covers four different plating classes. Classes are divided by the type of heat treatment provided.
Each specification must be understood by all companies using electroless plating and the standard for AMS 2404 electroless nickel plating is continually reviewed and updated. For example, steel must be treated to relieve stress in a particular manner, before plating.
AMS 2404 also helps plating companies maintain compliance for a number of different materials. This is very important for serving demanding industries today.
