May. 06, 2024
Machinery
The chrome plating process has many applications in the manufacturing, production and consumer goods industries. Commonly known as just "chrome," chrome plating provides a protective coating and shiny luster when applied to metal parts and products. Chrome plating can have decorative purposes or can enhance the desirable properties of machine components. You can achieve these two goals with different types of chrome plating — decorative chrome plating and hard chrome plating.
For more information, please visit Hard Chrome Plating Equipment.
You may be wondering, "What is decorative plating, and how does it differ from industrial plating?" Each type of chrome plating offers distinct benefits for the chrome finish. This piece will outline the differences between decorative and hard chrome plating to help you select the best chrome for your project.
The primary difference between decorative chrome and hard chrome plating is the thickness of the chrome plating on the final product. Decorative chrome plating is thinner than hard chrome and is primarily for aesthetic appeal and as a protective coating. Hard chrome plating is thicker than decorative chrome finishes and is useful in many industrial applications for its strength, wear resistance, corrosion resistance and other beneficial properties.
Decorative chrome and hard chrome plating result from the same chrome manufacturing process but differ in their final properties and common applications. Chrome plating uses an electrolytic process that applies chromium plating to a metal component in an electrolytic bath at a rate of about 25 to 30 microns per hour. The substrate first gets cleaned thoroughly and, if necessary, treated with chemicals to improve the adhesion of the plating. The component then goes into a chrome plating vat for chrome dipping, where an electric current deposits chromium onto the substrate.
The electrolytic process and chrome dipping apply both types of chrome plating evenly to components of unusual shapes, sizes and textures. Hard and decorative chrome plating can adhere effectively to ridged or flat surfaces, in small holes or recesses and to cylindrical parts. With a large enough plating vat, you can apply chrome plating to metal components of nearly any size. The versatility of chrome plating makes it a popular chrome finishing choice for a wide range of applications in manufacturing and consumer goods.
A variety of industrial applications use hard chrome plating to increase the wear and corrosion resistance of equipment components. Also known as engineered chrome or industrial chrome, hard chrome plating reduces friction between machine parts and improves component durability. A hard chrome coating extends the lifespan of machine components and reduces maintenance downtime and expenses.
Hard chrome plating can also be useful in repairing damaged, worn or mis-machined parts. A component that is too small or has become worn down can benefit from applying a thick coating of hard chrome plating to return it to the correct dimensions. Stripping the damaged plating through a chemical process and applying new hard chrome plating can repair a damaged part.
Hard chrome plating can apply to a wide variety of base metals to strengthen an equipment component without compromising its original properties. Base metals that chrome plating can be applied to include: steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze, and more. Depending on the specific purpose, hard chrome plating can vary widely in thickness to meet precise project needs. The strength and durability of hard chrome plating make it extremely beneficial in a variety of applications, such as:
Hard chrome plating can benefit nearly any machine component or part. Because of its low friction, hard chrome plating is effective for moving parts like rotors and pistons to reduce operating temperatures and improve the lifespan of equipment parts. Manufacturers of hard chrome plating can polish it to superior smoothness for rounded components like print cylinders and rollers, while still providing exceptional resistance to wear when used with abrasive products like textiles, paper, limestone or sand.
Hard chrome is also easy to clean and sanitize, making it a popular choice for the food and beverage processing industry. The superior corrosion resistance of hard chrome plating makes it effective in pharmaceutical, chemical and oil and gas applications as well. Other industries where you can see hard chrome plating at work include printing, textiles, mining, agriculture, paper, manufacturing and many others.
Decorative chrome plating has more limited applications than hard chrome plating, but serves an essential role in many industries. Although it does not offer the same strength and durability as hard chrome, decorative chrome finishes can still provide a thin protective coating when applied to automobile parts, tools and utensils. Decorative chrome finishes protects against rust and wear when products get exposed to wet or corrosive conditions.
Decorative chrome plating also provides a smooth and shiny appearance that is easy to clean, making it desirable for various consumer products. If used solely for aesthetic appeal, decorative chrome plating is sometimes applied using inexpensive imitation chrome finishes instead of actual chromium. Here are a few common applications of decorative chrome plating.
You might hear people call decorative chrome plating nickel-chrome plating, as it gets applied over nickel plating, rather than directly to the metal substrate. In some applications, copper plating also gets first to improve the strength of the final product. Decorative chrome plating is very thin compared to more durable hard chrome plating, typically measuring just a few millionths of a meter.
Hard chrome plating is an electroplating process that involves applying a layer of chromium to a surface by submerging it in a chromic acid solution. Hard chrome plating can increase the durability, hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of metal components for more effective use in machinery and equipment. It is possible to apply chrome plating without altering the properties of the original component, and deposit it in the precise thickness necessary for a specific application. Hard chrome plating creates a surface that is very hard (68-72 Rockwell C), highly wear and corrosion resistant, has a low coefficient of friction, and very smooth and easy to clean. Here are some of the benefits of hard chrome plating and the desirable properties it offers.
These benefits of commercial chrome plating can enhance the existing properties of metal components for more effective use in many industrial applications. Companies can maximize the beneficial properties of their hard chrome plating by adjusting the thickness of the plating for increased hardness and durability. Through different chrome finishing techniques, hard chrome plating can provide the precise benefits a project requires.
Decorative chrome plating is primarily an aesthetic feature, though it also protects against corrosion and wear. However, because decorative chrome is so thin — ranging from about five to eight micrometers when applied over nickel plating — it does not offer as much durability as hard chrome plating. If you find yourself asking, "How long does decorative chrome plating last?" you should be aware that it can wear off over time. Here are the primary benefits of decorative chrome plating.
For applications where aesthetics and function are essential, decorative chrome plating can work well. Attractive and corrosion-resistant decorative chrome can enhance many consumer goods.
Decorative chrome plating offers exceptional aesthetic appeal, while hard chrome plating provides superior strength and hardness, low friction and lasting durability. Both types of chrome plating are useful for different applications, and the best plating method for you will depend on your unique project needs. For consumer goods, decorative chrome plating can provide the necessary protection and desired appearance, while hard chrome plating is better-suited for high-stress industrial applications.
If your project requires durable metal plating, Hard Chrome Specialists can provide high-quality hard chrome plating to meet your needs. Hard Chrome Specialists is a leader in industrial chrome plating, and we use our expertise to deliver top-quality hard chrome plating for any application. Because we perform our chrome plating in-house, we have precise control over the quality of your final product. To learn more about hard chrome plating from Hard Chrome Specialists, contact us today.
Further reading:If you are looking for more details, kindly visit barrel nickel plating machine.
The best defense against corrosion and wear on a machine is a chrome-plated finish. A chromium metal finish extends the life of your parts, despite high-friction environments. Chrome plating provides protection in environments that are conducive to corrosion in other base materials.
What is Chrome Plating?
Chrome plating is an electrochemical process for depositing the metal chrome where it is needed or desired. Chrome plating is more than just an aesthetic enhancement, although it does look pleasing to the eye. Chrome plating can increase the hardness and durability of the surface, prevent corrosion and even make it easier to clean.
The process includes degreasing a surface to clean it and remove prior buildup. Some substrates, or surface metals, require pretreatment to ensure proper adhesion. The part is then placed into a chrome-plating tank.
What types of industrial equipment benefit from chrome plating?
Hydraulic cylinders
Automotive components
Mining equipment
Shafts and rotors
Agricultural
These are just a few examples of applications that could benefit from the protection of a hard chrome-plating. Any part exposed to mechanical friction or corrosion is a candidate. Chrome can be successfully applied to nearly any kind of metallic surface, such as aluminum, copper, nickel alloys, titanium, steel, and stainless steel.
Chrome plating is ideal for equipment exposed to caustic elements. Chrome mitigates the risk of rust and enforces the strength of the base material. Chrome also offers high lubricity to prolong the life of a machine by reducing friction. Not only does chrome prevent wear on the machine, but it also provides the benefit of added performance. Less friction means smoother functioning with reduced risk of overheating.
Providing better functionality, the coating reduces the risk of a machine seizing and will also restore some size to worn parts, in some cases returning them to their original dimensions.
Chrome plating is often used on commercial or industrial vehicle parts exposed to the weather. It helps the parts of the vehicle resist normal wear and decay that occurs due to constant exposure to the elements. Additionally, a chrome-plated piece enhances performance, increases durability, and allows equipment to function more smoothly over the longer product lifecycle of an industrial or commercial machine.
How long does Chrome plating take?
The time depends on the amount of chrome needed. Thin deposits only take minutes, whereas thicker coatings can take several days.
How can chrome plating affect the life of your equipment?
Chrome has great friction and hardness properties so it can be used where things are moving and coming together. It will protect against the wear and tear caused by friction and increase the machine’s efficiency, due to reduced heat build-up as well as a reduced propensity for malfunction.
What constraints are involved in plating something?
Size is a major constraint. The area that is being plated must fit in the tank. You must have equipment that can handle the weight. The rectification must be large or small enough. Chrome plating uses a lot of electricity compared with other types of plating.
Price can also be a constraint. The process can be very expensive, or it can be very economical. The finish will only look as good as the surface below it. As a result, the application’s surface needs to be cleaned and smoothed before applying the finish. Otherwise, the finish will preserve any blemishes. In addition to the cost of the plating process, there is considerable cost in just preparing the part for the application.
Can you re-plate something that was previously plated?
If you have a part that was previously chrome-plated and is beginning to wear, it can be re-plated. Remember, chrome-plating is used to rework or to salvage existing parts. Hydraulic rods are reconditioned all the time. Internal combustion parts like valves, mechanical fuel injectors, fuel pumps, and turbochargers are reconditioned by businesses that are started for specifically that purpose. It is important to have a part reconditioned before the chrome wears through and damage is inflicted upon the substrate.
Are there different types of chrome-plating?
Yes, the chrome you’re likely familiar with is a decorative chrome that you might see on a car’s wheels. This is a separate type of treatment that does not provide many of the benefits we’ve listed above. For that reason, ChromeTech focuses more on practical, value-added hard-chrome plating rather than vanity chrome.
ChromeTech of Wisconsin specializes in Hard or Industrial Chrome
Industrial chrome has added thickness and friction-reduction qualities. Industrial chrome helps prevent oxidation and machine seizure.
What can Chrome Plating be Applied to?
Chrome plating has the advantage of being able to adhere to a variety of different pieces of machinery. The process allows for the application of chrome to many different surfaces, shapes, and sizes.
Chrome plating has many benefits, from efficiency to aesthetics, but the application needs to be completed by a professional. If you want your equipment to look nicer, you want to reduce aging, wear and tear, friction or inefficient operation, contact a professional about finishing your machinery with a chromium surfacing.
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