A chemical nickel plating production line is a specialized surface treatment system that deposits a nickel-phosphorus alloy layer on workpieces through chemical reaction without the need for an external power source. The core principle involves a reducing agent (such as sodium hypophosphite) converting nickel ions into metallic nickel, which uniformly adheres to the workpiece surface, forming a dense, wear-resistant coating. It is widely used in machinery, automotive, petroleum, and electronics industries, and is suitable for complex-shaped workpieces (such as deep holes and blind holes) as well as a variety of substrates including stainless steel, aluminum alloys, and non-metallic materials.
Core Structure
The chemical nickel plating production line is composed of five main systems:
Pre-treatment System – A critical stage to ensure clean surfaces and proper reaction conditions, including:
Degreasing to remove oils and contaminants,Pickling to eliminate oxides, and Activation to enhance surface catalytic activity and prevent incomplete plating.
Chemical Plating Tank System – The core component, consisting of:
Corrosion-resistant plating tanks made of PP or PVDF, containing a plating solution of nickel salts and reducing agents,Temperature control devices to maintain a reaction temperature of 80–95°C, and Agitation systems to ensure uniform solution composition and prevent local concentration imbalances.
Post-treatment System – Ensures coating quality through:
Rinsing to remove residual plating solution,Passivation to enhance corrosion resistance, and Low-temperature drying to prevent oxidation.
Conveying System – Uses automated racks or baskets to transfer workpieces efficiently and in an orderly manner.
Control System – Managed via PLC, enabling real-time monitoring of plating solution pH (±0.1), temperature (±1°C), and coating thickness (±1 μm) to ensure stable and consistent plating.
Key Advantages
No external power required, allowing uniform coating on complex-shaped workpieces and eliminating the blind spots often encountered in electrolytic nickel plating.
The nickel-phosphorus alloy layer offers high hardness (HV500–1000), excellent wear resistance, and superior corrosion resistance compared to conventional electroplated nickel.
Compatible with various substrates without the need for pre-plating.
Controllable coating thickness (5–50 μm) balances functional performance and cost.
This makes the chemical nickel plating line a vital solution for treating complex workpiece surfaces in modern manufacturing.
