Nitriding, NI60/NI55, Stellite, nickel plating, tungsten carbide, what is the difference between these hard coatings? How to select?

The differences and selection considerations of these hard coatings in ball and seat applications are as follows: 

Nitriding coatings: Nitriding coatings provide excellent hardness and wear resistance, increasing surface hardness and reducing wear and friction for balls and seats. The nitriding coating also has good corrosion resistance and can provide protection in some corrosive media. When selecting the nitriding coating, factors such as the working pressure, temperature and medium properties of the ball and seat can be considered. 

NI60/NI55 coatings: NI60 and NI55 coatings are coating materials for nickel-based alloys with high hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance. These coatings are suitable for applications where wear and corrosion resistance are required for balls and seats. When selecting NI60 or NI55 coatings, it is necessary to consider the friction and wear conditions under working conditions, as well as the corrosion of the medium to the coating. 

Stellite coating: The Stellite (TiAlN) coating has excellent hardness, wear resistance and high temperature stability. For balls and seats, Stellite coatings provide excellent wear and corrosion resistance for high temperature and high load environments. When selecting a Stellite coating, the operating temperature of the ball and seat and the corrosiveness of the medium need to be considered. 

Nickel plating coating: Nickel plating coating can provide good corrosion resistance and wear resistance. For balls and seats, nickel-plated coatings increase their surface smoothness, corrosion resistance and wear resistance. When choosing a nickel plating coating, the corrosive media and wear conditions in the ball and seat operating environment need to be considered. 

Tungsten carbide coating: Tungsten carbide coating has extremely high hardness and wear resistance, suitable for high temperature and high load environments. For balls and seats, tungsten carbide coatings provide excellent wear resistance and machinability. When selecting tungsten carbide coating, it is necessary to consider the operating temperature of the ball and seat, the properties of the medium, and the requirements for hardness and wear resistance. 

When selecting the coating, it is necessary to consider the working conditions of the ball and seat, the characteristics of the medium, the requirements of wear resistance, corrosion resistance and economic factors. It is best to communicate in detail with the coating manufacturer or supplier to get advice on the best coating selection for the specific application.