The Cost of Electroless Nickel Plating and Anodizing: What Really Affects the Price?

Published on 01/06/2025 by Giacomo Bordiga

1 Euro coin placed next to a nickel-plated and a blue anodized part.

One of the most common questions we receive from those approaching a technical surface treatment for the first time is:
“How much does it cost per kilo?”
Whether we’re talking about electroless nickel plating or anodizing, the correct answer is: it depends.

It may sound like a vague answer—especially for those who need to quickly calculate a total part cost—but it’s an honest one: there is no universal or standard price list, because the final cost depends on many variables.


There’s no standard price: here’s why

Unlike simpler or more widespread processes like zinc plating or painting, electroless nickel plating and anodizing are technical treatments that depend on many factors: the type of metal alloy, the geometry of the part, the required surface specifications, and the intended end use.

For this reason, you cannot define a fixed €/kg or €/dm² price: each job must be evaluated individually, and every quote is custom-built.


What affects the cost of a surface treatment?

The main cost factors are similar for both nickel plating and anodizing:

  • Part size and geometry: surface area, weight, and complexity directly affect process time and material consumption.
  • Base material: steel, aluminum, copper, and other alloys require different pretreatments. In anodizing, the aluminum alloy type also influences the final appearance and performance.
  • Treatment type: there are standard, more economical treatments, and advanced versions (composite, high thickness, or colored) with higher costs.
  • Coating thickness: the thicker the coating, the more time, material, and energy required.
  • Production method: mass processing (barrel plating, not applicable to anodizing) is cheaper than rack plating, where parts are handled individually.
  • Quality checks, certifications, packaging: additional requirements affect total cost.
  • Batch volume: larger batches benefit from economies of scale and lower unit costs.

How Much Does It Cost?

In precision engineering, electroless nickel plating and anodizing are high-value treatments that add relatively limited cost to the finished component. On average, they account for about 5 % to 20 % of the part’s value, depending on geometry, base material, technical specifications, and production volumes.

For a rough initial estimate, treatment costs typically range from € 0.50 to € 5.00 per dm²:

  • Lower range → standard treatments on simple geometries and medium-to-large batches
  • Upper range → high-performance treatments or parts with special requirements (greater thickness, Ni-P composites, special colors)

Every project deserves a tailored assessment. Our technical team is available to prepare clear, customized technical-economic proposals.


Which treatment should you choose?

The choice of treatment shouldn’t be based on price alone, but rather on the base material, end use, and the required performance.

A brief comparison between the two

  • Electroless nickel plating (for steel, copper alloys, aluminum):

    • Excellent thickness uniformity, even on complex geometries
    • Superior corrosion resistance compared to traditional galvanic coatings
    • High surface hardness, up to 1000 HV with heat treatment
  • Anodizing (only for aluminum alloys):

    • Lightweight and ideal for parts where weight-to-performance ratio is critical
    • Wide range of aesthetic finishes, including color options
    • Good abrasion and wear resistance, especially with hard anodizing
    • Excellent corrosion resistance in neutral environments

Practical examples

  • A mechanical part in steel for a corrosive environment? → High-phosphorus electroless nickel plating
  • An aluminum bracket requiring a colored finish? → Anodizing, standard or decorative
  • A steel shaft subject to wear and friction? → Nickel plating with wear-resistant particles or post-hardening
  • An aluminum component requiring surface hardness and wear resistance? → Hard anodizing

Request a quote

To get an accurate and detailed quotation, you can send us a request including:

  • A technical drawing of the part
  • Desired surface treatment specifications
  • Estimated production volume
  • Any special requirements (e.g. certifications, testing, packaging)

📩 Email us at segreteria@microncoatings.it – Our technical team will respond with a clear, customized commercial proposal.

Fotografia profilo Giacomo Bordiga
Ing. Giacomo Bordiga
Operational Management
Linkedin giacomo@microncoatings.it +39 3282811559 Whatsapp