Nickel plating is one of the most widely used surface treatments in industry to increase the strength, durability and aesthetic quality of metal components. Tobaldini S.p.A. offers an advanced nickel-plating service, based on automated equipment, strict control of parameters and technical expertise gained in the field of galvanic treatments.

What is nickel plating and why is it in such demand

Nickel plating involves the controlled deposition of a layer of nickel on the surface of a metal. This coating achieves two basic benefits:

• Functional protection: increased corrosion and wear resistance due to nickel hardness, which can range from 140 to 550 HV depending on the type of bath used .

• Aesthetic enhancement: a more uniform, shiny or satin surface depending on the required finish, ideal for precision components, mechanical parts, furniture items and technical products.

Nickel plating continues to be a reference technology, despite the evolution of other surface treatments: it remains a reliable, versatile and high-performance solution used in industries such as mechanical engineering, electronics, automotive, aerospace and industrial design .

Types of nickel plating offered by Tobaldini S.p.A.

1. Electroless nickel plating

Electroless nickel plating involves the application of electric current to deposit nickel onto a component immersed in a galvanic bath. The part acts as the cathode, while nickel anodes release metal ions that are deposited on the surface of the component.

Key Features

• High corrosion resistance.

• Variable aesthetic finishes: glossy, satin, matte.

• Improved mechanical and sliding properties of treated surfaces .

• Ability to adjust thickness according to application.

It is the ideal solution for components that require a balance between aesthetics and functionality: small metal parts, technical accessories, mechanical parts under moderate stress.

2. Chemical nickel plating (autocatalytic)

Electroless nickel plating, also known as Ni-P nickel plating, does not use electric current: deposition takes place through an autonomous chemical reaction. This process ensures an extremely uniform layer even on complex geometries, cavities and sharp edges.

Key benefits

• Perfectly uniform thickness regardless of part shape .

• Very high corrosion resistance, particularly in the case of high phosphorus nickel plating.

• Possibility of obtaining a non-magnetic coating (high phosphorus nickel plating).

• Excellent adhesion and hardness that can be increased by heat treatment.

• Function as a barrier layer for further electroplating treatments (gold plating, silver plating, tin plating) .

For these reasons, chemical nickel plating is mainly chosen by industries that require precision, durability and high performance.

3. Selective or precision nickel plating

Tobaldini S.p.A. also performs selective nickel plating on particular areas of the component, which is useful when only one part of the part needs to be protected or functionally improved.

How the nickel plating process works in our plants

Tobaldini S.p.A. uses automated lines consisting of sequential tanks, moved by programmed overhead cranes, which ensure maximum precision at every stage of the cycle.

The main stages of treatment

1. Surface preparation

Essential to achieve a smooth and adherent deposit.

• Degreasing to remove oils and contaminants from machining operations.

• Pickling to remove oxides and prepare the metal for reaction.

• Activation to ensure maximum coating adhesion.

2. Nickel deposition

Depending on the type of nickel plating (electrolytic or chemical), the operator sets:

• bath temperature

• Current density (for galvanic processes)

• concentration of solutions

• dive times

The plants automatically maintain parameters within optimal values and constantly restore concentrations of chemical components through dedicated analysis .

3. Rinsing, drying and quality control

At the end of the treatment, the parts are rinsed, dried and tested for:

• layer uniformity

• membership

• thickness

• aesthetic performance

• absence of porosity

Why choose Tobaldini S.p.A. for nickel plating treatments

Technical expertise and dedicated consulting

With extensive experience in the field of galvanic treatments, we support the customer in choosing the most suitable solution, evaluating material, end use and operating conditions of the part.

Automated plants and advanced process control

Nickel plating lines are designed to ensure high repeatability, parameter safety and consistent quality over time.

Great production flexibility

We handle both medium and large quantities, ensuring on-time delivery and adaptability to customer needs.

High quality standards

We constantly monitor each batch through chemical analysis, metrological checks and visual inspections, ensuring a coating that meets specifications and is long-lasting.

Applications of nickel plating in major industries

Mechanics and automation

Increased wear resistance, improved smoothness and longer life of components subjected to continuous stress.

Electronics and precision components

Protection from oxidation and corrosion, essential to maintain the functionality of micro-components.

Automotive

Aesthetic and functional coatings for interior and exterior parts: small parts, decorative elements, technical components.

Furniture and giftware

Gloss, satin or matte finishes for objects where aesthetics and surface uniformity are essential.

Aerospace

Critical components that require very high strength, uniformity and absence of microscopic defects.

Nickel plating of aluminum and light alloys

Nickel plating aluminum requires specific preparation: the natural oxide of the material must be removed with preliminary chemical treatments to ensure adhesion of the nickel layer.
Next, it is possible to proceed with electroless nickel plating or chemical nickel plating, maintaining very controlled temperature and current parameters .

Tobaldini S.p.A. applies optimized protocols to ensure stable results on metals known to be difficult to process.

Nickel plating: a current and reliable process

Despite the advancement of other technologies, nickel plating is by no means an outdated process: it still represents one of the most effective solutions for imparting strength, hardness and protection to the surface of metals, as well as a high aesthetic value.
Its use is still strategic in many modern industries, as also confirmed by the continuous development of technological variants and advanced baths .

FAQ on nickel plating metals

Does nickel plating really protect against corrosion?

Yes. Nickel deposition creates an extremely effective barrier against oxidation and rust, especially in Ni-P chemical treatments .

What is the difference between electrolytic and chemical nickel plating?

Electroless nickel plating uses electric current; chemical nickel plating is done by autonomous reaction. Chemical nickel plating ensures perfectly uniform thicknesses even in difficult areas .

Is it possible to nickel-plate materials such as aluminum or light alloys?

Yes, as long as thorough preparation is carried out by degreasing, pickling, and activation specifically for this type of metal .

Can different aesthetic finishes be achieved?

Certainly: glossy, satin, matte or technical, depending on the type of bath and deposition parameters used.

Is nickel plating suitable for complex components?

Ni-P electroless nickel plating is particularly suitable for parts with difficult geometries due to the uniformity of deposition .