Nearly every die-cast material requires a coating for corrosion protection. For components requiring cosmetic finishes, nickel is typically the best underlayer. It has excellent adhesion properties and acts as a barrier against skin contact. For example, we would die cast the component, then apply a layer of nickel plating to create a foundation for the cosmetic coating, whether satin chrome, PVD or another finish.
With the continued rise of wearables and fitness trackers, concerns arise when the coating scratches off, leaving nickel in contact with the skin. This creates challenges for die casters and suppliers in the consumer electronics industry. Buyers with sensitive skin can develop a rash from metal wearables containing nickel, resulting in negative publicity for your business. With 15% of Dynacast's customers coming from consumer electronics, our Dynacast Singapore facility set out to find a solution.
Highly cosmetic nickel-free plating options
For years, to mitigate allergic reactions caused by nickel-to-skin contact, companies have manufactured components using MIM with stainless steel or machined them from aluminium or steel billet. Depending on the complexity of the component, die casting can be a more economical choice than MIM and is almost always more cost-effective than machining from billet. This can save several dollars per part, which adds up very quickly in high-volume runs. However, businesses must take the necessary measures to prevent legal liability from dissatisfied customers.
Dynacast Singapore offers a compelling alternative. Nickel-free plating options for die castings that do not leave consumers with skin rashes. This coating is used as the base layer before the cosmetic finish and can be used on almost any material—although it performs best on aluminium and zinc alloys. This enables design engineers to design with greater freedom.
The ability to design and manufacture zinc and aluminium components for the wearable market, while offering allergy-free products, has opened up numerous opportunities in the consumer electronics industry. These die casting options cost less than their current components.
This coating is also suitable for the virtual reality and medical device markets. With more than 18 different colour options, this coating offers extensive possibilities.
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