Nickel-plated brass is an underrated option when it comes to valves. Combining the high shine of stainless steel with nickel-plating adds some of the anti-corrosion properties at a cost similar to brass.
Nickel-plated brass is a product that should be explored further. So, that’s what we’re going to do today. Let’s start with what nickel plating is for those who don't know.
HOW DO METALS BECOME NICKEL PLATED?
This standard port nickel-plated brass ball valve has the high shine of steel without the associated cost.Nickel plating is the addition of a relatively thin layer of nickel on top of a part made of another metal.
This is accomplished in a couple of different ways, but the most popular is electroplating, in which an electrical current is run through the part while being hung in a nickel solution. The current attracts nickel to the exposed metal of the part.
Alternately, electroless nickel plating, does not use an electrical charge. Instead, a layer of copper is added to the part first and the nickel is added on top of it.
While it takes longer, electroless nickel plating is considered superior because of its more even distribution of the plating material. Other plating materials can be used for other parts, including gold, silver, chrome and cadmium.
HOW DOES THE METAL REACT AFTER THE PROCESS?
Each plated part takes on some of the properties of plating material. For example, simple steel jewelry can be made more attractive by a gold or silver covering.
When it comes to industrial parts, the concern is more often utilitarian. Parts which were not magnetic before can be made partially magnetic or the reverse. Parts which were more prone to corrosion can be made to resist it better.
Nickel-plated brass, for instance, is more resistant to fresh water, mineral oils and fuels when compared to brass under normally dry conditions. Under more industrial conditions, the parts are at least partially resistant to neutral and alkaline salt solutions and some organic compounds, again when compared to the reactions of brass.
Of course, stainless steel can be even more resistant to those environments, but it can cost much more than brass or nickel-plated brass.
Appearance can be a factor as well. At DirectMaterial.com, we carry a selection of plated parts, including nickel-plated brass ball valves and chrome-plated brass mini ball valves, which work better because of their coatings. They are also a lot shinier than they would be otherwise, giving them a slightly cleaner look than plain brass. Nickel plating is often used on household items like faucets, door hinges and appliances for just that reason.
Customers who buy nickel-plated brass sometimes do so for the look as much as the chemical properties of the part. It remains bright as it ages, unlike brass which becomes dark and dull.
THE BENEFITS OF NICKEL
So let’s break down the other benefits of nickel.
In addition to the corrosion resistance and shine we have already mentioned, nickel also resists wear, has good lubricity (reduction of friction), and protects parts that would otherwise be tarnished. Nickel also had greater surface hardness than brass, which makes it better in this instance.
With all of those benefits and the difference in cost between nickel-plated brass and stainless steel, it might be a good idea to look into plated parts as an option the next time you buy.