Electroless Nickel – Technology, Properties and Applications

Electroless nickel (EN) deposits are classified as a Functional Class of coatings used primarily to enhance the surface performance properties of a variety of substrates. The majority of applications require that the coating provide maximum protection against corrosion and abrasive wear resulting in an extension in the useful life of the component. Because of the unique deposit properties and uniformity of the resultant film, many other engineered applications have emerged within the electronics industry. Methods to improve solderability, enhance thermo magnetic stability and effectively replace Hot Air Solder Leveling (HASL) with electroless nickel/immersion gold on printed circuit boards have been well documented in the literature.

WOMag 05/2013 Sisti, Matt; Ruffini, Alan