Electroless vs Electro Nickel Plate

[zbench]

I'm relatively new to plating. I have the nickel kit and have successfully plated some parts. However, there is a high degree of variability that I am trying to figure out. Some parts plate perfect, others not. I'm sure it's in my technique, but then I am still learning.

My question is: is the nickel that is deposited in the electroless kit as durable as that plated on using current? I understand the chemistry is completely different. I want to know if the finished plate is in any way different?

Thanks!

[engineerscott]

Electroless is considered by many to be superior. It is certainly as durable. One added benefit - if the part you are plating is structural (i.e. will be expected to undergo significant mechanical stresses) then you have almost no issue with hydrogen embrittlement which will be an issue with nickel electroplate. The only thing that might cause an embrittlement issue with electroless nickel is if you use an strong acid (or long acid soak times) to clean the part before plating. The electroless process itself imparts almost no hydrogen into the base metal.

Nickel electroplating on the other hand will cause hydrogen embrittlement. If you are using it to plate a structural part you must bake out the hydrogen or you will risk fracture due to hydrogen embrittlement.