Micro Plating Inc

Black Electroless Nickel Plating | MicroNite

Black Electroless Nickel Plating

Micro Plating’s black electroless nickel plating solution, MicroNite, is an innovative plating process that delivers the requisite hardness and corrosion resistance of standard ENP but with a non-reflective and conductive black surface. Ideal for optical applications due to its non-reflective properties, MicroNite black electroless nickel plating is a cost-effective solution for customers seeking a durable and visually appealing black plating with more consistent results than traditional zinc or zinc nickel plating. MicroNite black nickel plating is RoHS, REACH, and ELV-compliant and can meet MIL-DTL-38999 specs for use in electrical connectors.

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Hardness of Black Electroless Nickel

The hardness levels attainable by black electroless nickel range between 58 and 63 Rc after passivation is complete and the post-plate bake finishes. This tremendous hardness makes parts coated with MicroNite exceptionally resistant to wear and tear with the black coloring penetrating only 1 micron into the material surface. Black electroless nickel is a viable substitute for and outperforms black powder coating in nearly all scenarios. This plating process can be used on a variety of industrial parts including hand tools, valves, electrical components, and automotive parts. Additionally, MicroNite black electroless nickel plating can be used in place of hard chrome plating for applications that demand a hardened wear-resistant exterior.

Corrosion Resistance

Black electroless nickel plating provides considerable protection against corrosion, thanks in part to the combination of high-phosphorus concentrations, a durable low-phosphorus black topcoat, and final passivation. MicroNite utilizes this layered approach, beginning with a high-phosphorus electroless nickel base for superior corrosion resistance, followed by a low-phosphorus black electroless nickel layer for its desirable surface properties. This engineered structure allows MicroNite to withstand up to 1,000 hours of salt spray exposure, making it ideal for marine applications and other demanding manufacturing environments. The 1 mil thick deposit ensures robust and continuous protection, even in recessed areas such as holes, slots, threading, and inside tubing. Parts and molds coated with MicroNite offer greater longevity compared to those treated with conventional plating methods, delivering long-term performance and cost-saving benefits to our customers’ bottom lines.

Non-Reflective & Conductive Coating

MicroNite black electroless nickel plating differs from standard electroless nickel plating in two key ways. First, it features a deep black surface color with 4 to 6% light emissivity, making the finish minimally reflective (unlike the bright, shiny appearance typical of conventional high-phosphorus nickel coatings). This low-reflectivity surface is ideal for optical systems, aerospace components, and defense applications such as firearms and field equipment. Second, unlike most decorative coatings, MicroNite retains slight electrical conductivity due to its engineered low-phosphorus black topcoat applied over a high-phosphorus base layer. This dual-layer structure allows parts like electrical connectors to meet MIL-DTL-38999 specifications, making MicroNite an excellent choice for critical applications in the military and aerospace industries.

Features & Benefits of Black Electroless Nickel

The dual-layer MicroNite process where a high-phosphorus electroless nickel base is combined with a low-phosphorus black topcoat provides superior corrosion protection against oxidation, rust, and salt spray
4 – 6% light emissivity of black surface finish, ideal for optical applications
Slightly conductive exterior meets MIL-DTL-38999 specifications
RoHS, REACH, and ELV compliant
Enhanced color consistency and abrasion resistance when compared to zinc or zinc nickel black coatings
58-63 Rc hardness levels attainable with additional heat treatment