Zinc and nickel plating are both popular surface finishing options, but they differ in several key ways:
1) Corrosion Resistance: Zinc plating is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in outdoor and high-humidity environments. Nickel plating also provides good corrosion resistance, but it is generally not as effective as zinc in harsh environments.
2) Wear Resistance: Nickel plating is known for its excellent wear resistance, making it a popular choice for parts that will be subjected to friction, abrasion, or wear. Zinc plating also provides some wear resistance, but it is generally not as effective as nickel in these applications.
3) Appearance: Both zinc and nickel plating can provide a bright, decorative finish, but the appearance of the finished product can differ. Zinc plating typically produces a brighter, more reflective finish, while nickel plating can produce a more subdued, satin-lik apple finish.
4)Hardness: Nickel plating is generally harder than zinc plating, which can make it more effective in applications where hardness is important, such as those involving wear and abrasion.
5) Cost: Zinc plating is generally less expensive than nickel plating, making it a more cost-effective option for some applications.
6) Durability. In general, nickel plating is considered to be more durable than zinc plating. This is because nickel is a harder and more wear-resistant material than zinc. Nickel plating is known for its excellent wear resistance, making it a popular choice for parts that will be subjected to friction, abrasion, or wear. It is also known for its hardness, which can help to protect the underlying substrate from damage. Zinc plating, on the other hand, is not as hard or wear-resistant as nickel plating. While it does provide some wear resistance, it is generally not as effective as nickel in this regard.
7) Applications. Nickel plating is used in the aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical and military industries due to its great properties, while zinc plating is ideal for construction, electrical components, fasteners, hardware and marine fields.
