electoless nickle in hydraulic cylinder bores 2

[damc]

Does electoless nickle in hydraulic cylinder bores have the lubticity of hard chrome. I would appreciate information concerning the application of it using both static and dynamic seals. Are there any negative factors and what thickness can it be plated without losing dimensional accuracy.

 

[boo1]

why use such a coating?

 

[TVP]

No, electroless nickel does not provide for the same lubricity as electroplated hard chromium. The hard chromium coating has an extensive network of microcracks that traps lubricant and helps maintain a low coefficient of friction. Electroless nickel does not have this same feature.

 

[mqas]

You can now get ENP coating that are interspersed with other materials so as to enhance specific properties e.g. Graphite to increase lubrication and Si Carbide to improve wear resistance.

One of these coating may assist in achieving the desired effect.

 

[Carburize]

Check out the coatings offered by companies like General Magnaplate

http://www.magnaplate.com

 

[JimMetalsCeramics]

You can co-electroplate nickel with Teflon. I don't know if anyone co-deposits with electroless Ni.

In any event, you should lap the surface for increased lubricity. Ni is not as wear-resistant as chrome, though, and will likely wear through much faster.

 

[TVP]

Thanks to members mqas and JimMetalsCeramics for mentioning co-deposits of EN with SiC or PTFE. I was thinking straight chrome vs. straight EN. Enthone is one company that offers EN with PTFE:

http://www.enthone-omi.com/fdc/proddetail.cfm?ProdID=017&level=9&catID=000