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Ni vs. Zn Plating

2002

Ni vs. Zn Plating

We have a small torsional spring in our mechanism which has been Ni plated for several years without any problems... Our vendor is requesting a switch to from Ni to a Zn coating. Should I have any concerns with this switch, if each spring has the same mechanical properties in IQC? Are each of these coatings pretty much interchangeable?

Regards,

Bill Barillko
- Montreal Qc, Canada

Zinc will corrode sacrificially to the steel of your spring, meaning that it will corrode first and, until it is almost gone, no corrosion will proceed to the steel. On the other hand, nickel resists corrosion and protects the steel by isolation. As long as it's continuity isn't lost, the corrosion cannot reach the steel. Also Ni is stiffer and more expensive than Zn so a small decrease in strength and cost can be expected.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2002

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