| Aspect | Electroless Nickel | Gold Plating over Electroless Nickel |
|---|---|---|
| Process | A chemical process that deposits a nickel-phosphorus or nickel-boron alloy onto the magnesium surface. | A two-step process where an initial layer of electroless nickel is followed by a layer of gold plating. |
| Corrosion Resistance | Provides excellent corrosion resistance, especially in harsh environments. | Offers superior corrosion resistance due to the protective properties of both nickel and gold layers. |
| Wear Resistance | High wear resistance, making it suitable for applications with frequent friction and contact. | Extremely high wear resistance, enhanced by the additional gold layer. |
| Electrical Conductivity | Moderate electrical conductivity due to the nickel layer. | Excellent electrical conductivity, making it ideal for electronic applications. |
| Cost | Generally lower cost compared to gold plating, making it a cost-effective solution. | Higher cost due to the addition of the gold layer, but offers significant benefits for specific applications. |
| Appearance | Provides a bright, metallic finish that is aesthetically pleasing. | Offers a highly attractive and prestigious gold finish, often used in luxury and high-end applications. |
| Thickness Control | Allows for precise control over coating thickness, ensuring uniform coverage. | Also allows for precise thickness control, with the added benefit of a thicker overall coating due to the dual layers. |
| Adhesion | Excellent adhesion to magnesium, ensuring durability and longevity of the coating. | Strong adhesion, with the gold layer adhering well to the underlying nickel, providing long-lasting performance. |
| Heat Resistance | Good heat resistance, suitable for high-temperature applications. | Superior heat resistance, benefiting from the properties of both nickel and gold. |
| Application | Used in a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics. | Primarily used in high-end electronics, aerospace components, and luxury goods where appearance and performance are crucial. |
| Environmental Impact | Environmentally friendly process with low emissions and waste. | Slightly higher environmental impact due to the additional gold plating process. |
| Durability | Highly durable, withstanding mechanical and environmental stress. | Extremely durable, offering long-term protection and performance. |
| Hydrogen Embrittlement | Minimal risk of hydrogen embrittlement, making it safe for structural applications. | Also minimizes the risk of hydrogen embrittlement, ensuring structural integrity. |
| Flexibility | Good flexibility, suitable for complex shapes and detailed parts. | Maintains flexibility, with the gold layer adding to the overall protective and conductive properties. |
Magnesium parts coated in gold plating over electroless nickel offer superior corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and appearance for high-end applications.