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.
What does it cost?
Electroless nickel plating and anodizing are widely used in precision mechanical parts, and typically represent a modest portion of the overall part cost—usually between 5% and 20% of the final machined part price.
Without going into technical detail, here are some indicative price ranges, expressed in €/dm², the most appropriate unit for surface treatments:
- Standard electroless nickel plating: €0.40 – €4.00 / dm²
- High-performance electroless nickel (e.g. Ni-P composite): €2.00 – €10.00 / dm²
- Natural or colored anodizing: €0.30 – €3.00 / dm²
- Hard anodizing: €0.40 – €4.00 / dm²
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.
