Nickel plating
Nickel plating is used for appearance, for corrosion protection, for dimensional build, and as the underplate beneath chrome. Olymco, Inc. lists it at its Canton, Ohio plant. Send the nickel process named on your print and the coating thickness with your part details.
Which parts is nickel plating used on?
Nickel appears on hardware, stampings, fabricated parts, and components requiring a metallic finish. Describe the intended service, visible surfaces, and any dimensional requirement. Material acceptance and process suitability need review for the specific job.
Electrolytic nickel is deposited under electrical current, and its thickness depends on the current and the time in the tank. Nickel requirements can still differ in appearance, coating structure, and performance. Identify whether your print calls for bright, semi-bright, satin, duplex, or electroless nickel. Confirm the specified process with Olymco rather than treating these names as interchangeable.
For nickel beneath decorative chrome, include the complete coating system. The final appearance and corrosion criteria belong in the request alongside the nickel thickness.
Include any existing coating, and mark masking areas, threads, bores, and mating surfaces. Mention available drawings and call (330) 452-2300 to arrange how to share them.
Six details to specify for a quote
- Material and substrate
- Submit the alloy and its condition, including heat treatment or hardness where relevant.
- Finish variant
- Confirm the specified nickel process: bright, semi-bright, satin, duplex, or electroless.
- Part size limits
- Submit dimensions and weight for a fit review.
- Tolerances
- Define the coating thickness and the locations where it is measured.
- Volume range
- State the quantity per lot.
- Minimum order
- Ask about the minimum order for the job.
Questions buyers ask about this process
Is electrolytic nickel the same as electroless nickel?
No. Electrolytic nickel uses electrical current; electroless nickel uses a chemical deposition process. If your print says electroless or EN, identify it explicitly and confirm availability with Olymco.
Which nickel finish should I request?
Start with the drawing or customer specification. If the choice is still open, describe appearance, service environment, and corrosion requirements. Confirm the coating system before placing an order.
Will nickel plating affect part fit?
Yes, plating adds material. Identify critical dimensions, coating allowances, and surfaces that must remain unplated. Include thickness measurement locations so the requirement is clear.
Can nickel be used beneath chrome?
Yes, nickel is used as an underplate in decorative chrome systems. Provide the complete specification, including any layer requirements and corrosion tests, and ask Olymco to confirm the job scope.
Does a hardened steel part need post-plate treatment?
The alloy, hardness, and governing specification determine the requirements. Provide these details along with any specified hydrogen embrittlement relief treatment and confirm the applicable process and records.
Can nickel plating make different parts look alike?
An appearance match needs review across the actual alloys, surface preparation, and geometry. Identify the parts that must match and the reference used for acceptance. Do not assume a finish name alone defines the result.
Related finishes
Get a quote for your part
Have the six details above ready when you request a quote.