Electroless nickel with ptfe (NiPtef)

Co-Deposited Layer

NiPtef is a layer made up of Kanigen® electroless nickel, followed by a co-deposition layer of electroless nickel and PTFE.
During the NiPtef layer's deposition process, PTFE particles with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 µm are embedded in the electroless nickel layer in a homogeneous manner.

By incorporating a dry lubricant, PTFE, combined with hard electroless nickel matrix, electroless nickel with PTFE is an excellent alternative to the problem of wear and friction between two surfaces. With values of order of magnitude of 0.05, PTFE offers a low coefficient of friction.

Unlike synergetic PTFE deposits, the friction coefficient remains constant in the event of layer wear thanks to the homogeneous distribution of PTFE within the NiPtef deposit.

Processed Materials

The electroless nickel plating process makes it possible to treat a broad spectrum of materials used within the industry. Kanigen Group primarily treats carbon, alloyed and stainless steels, cast iron, aluminium and copper alloys, etc., along with other more special materials such as silver (Ag), INVAR, 17-4PH, etc.

In recent years, we have specialised in the processing of all grades of aluminium, including not only the 1000, 2000, 3000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 series, but also die-cast and injected aluminium, with the exception of ZAMAK alloys.

Treatments are carried out in barrels, hang-plated or with dedicated fixtures/racks.

Corrosion Resistance

The electroless nickel and PTFE deposit constitutes a porous (dispersion) layer.

The Kanigen® electroless nickel layer is used as an under-layer to protect from corrosion, while the thickness is determined by the customer's specifications. A side effect of PTFE's hydrophobic character is to reinforce this property.

Technical Properties

• PTFE content min. 20 V%.
• Friction coefficient:

• Hardness
• As deposited 350 HV0.1*
• Hardness following heat treatment 550 HV0.1*
• Non-stick coating
• Water- and dirt-repellent

(*) Mixed hardness (Vickers and Shore) measured in HV0.1 on 50 µm NiPtef-treated control plate.

The residual energy of an electroless nickel layer with PTFE, with about 20-30 V% PTFE, is up to 18.6 mN/m. As a result, parts treated with NiPtef have excellent non-stick properties.