Black Zinc-Nickel Plating: The Aerospace-Grade Finish Built for Strength, Style & Extreme Performance

When components are engineered to perform in the harshest conditions—salt-rich air, high humidity, rapid temperature swings, and constant mechanical stress—corrosion protection isn’t optional. It’s mission-critical.

Black Zinc-Nickel plating has quickly become one of the premier finishing choices for aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial applications. At Aerospace Metals LLC, we provide high-performance Black Zinc-Nickel coatings engineered for reliability, durability, and clean, modern aesthetics.

What Is Black Zinc-Nickel Plating?

Black Zinc-Nickel is an alloy electroplating finish consisting of:

  • Zinc + 8–15% Nickel
  • Followed by a black trivalent passivation
  • Optionally sealed for enhanced corrosion resistance

The result is a sleek black finish that delivers exceptional corrosion resistance without sacrificing electrical conductivity or dimensional precision.

Why Black Zinc-Nickel Is Becoming the Industry Standard

1. Exceptional Corrosion Resistance

Black Zinc-Nickel outperforms traditional zinc and zinc-iron finishes by a wide margin—often exceeding 1,000+ hours of salt spray resistance with proper sealing. This makes it ideal for:

  • Aerospace assemblies
  • Military hardware
  • Outdoor industrial equipment
  • High-moisture applications

2. Environmentally Friendly & RoHS Compliant

Modern trivalent black passivates are free of hexavalent chromium, making them:

  • More environmentally sustainable
  • Globally compliant
  • Safer for operators and end-users

3. Uniform Appearance with a Modern, Tactical Look

The deep black, low-gloss finish isn’t just functional—it’s visually striking. Industries choose Black Zinc-Nickel when they need:

  • A high-end, tactical aesthetic
  • Consistent color across batches
  • A durable coating that doesn’t fade easily

4. Superior Wear Resistance

Nickel increases coating hardness and reduces friction, providing:

  • Better protection against abrasion
  • Longer component lifespan
  • Fewer field replacements and lower maintenance costs

5. Dimensional Stability

Black Zinc-Nickel applies with precision and minimal buildup. This makes it ideal for:

  • Tight-tolerance aerospace components
  • Fasteners and fittings
  • Hydraulic and pneumatic parts
  • Electrical housings

Common Applications in Aerospace & Defense

At Aerospace Metals, Black Zinc-Nickel is frequently used on:

  • Brackets & housings
  • Structural hardware
  • Fasteners
  • Connectors & couplings
  • Actuation components
  • Landing gear subcomponents

How Aerospace Metals Ensures a Superior Finish

Our finishing process prioritizes both performance and consistency:

  1. Precision surface prep – cleaning, blasting, or polishing as required
  2. Electroplating with a controlled alloy ratio
  3. Black trivalent passivation
  4. Optional topcoat sealing for enhanced durability
  5. Strict quality control and testing

Is Black Zinc-Nickel Right for Your Components?

If your parts operate in corrosive or high-stress environments—or if you need the reliability of a military-grade coating—Black Zinc-Nickel is one of the best plating choices available today.

Contact Aerospace Metals LLC Today We offer Black Zinc-Nickel plating with fast turnaround times, tight process control, and the ability to handle jobs from small batches to full production volumes.