What Is the Purpose of Hard Chrome Plating?

Hard chrome plating is a process in which a layer of chromium is applied to a surface to improve corrosion and abrasion resistance, reduce friction and extend the life of parts used in extreme wear conditions.

 

Hard chrome plating is a process in which a layer of chromium is applied to a surface to improve corrosion and abrasion resistance, reduce friction and extend the life of parts used in extreme wear conditions.

 

Hard Chrome FAQs

 

How hard is hard chrome plating?

 

Hard chrome plating typically registers between 68 and 72 on the Rockwell "C" scale, a measurement used to assess material indentation hardness. In comparison, very hard steels found in tools and high-quality knife blades usually range between 55 and 66 on the same scale.

 

What kind of materials can be hard chrome plated?

 

Common materials eligible for hard chrome plating encompass steel, cast iron, stainless steel, bronze, brass, and copper.

 

What is the difference between chrome and hard chrome?

 

The primary contrast between hard chrome and decorative chrome lies in their respective purposes. Hard chrome serves to enhance wear resistance, whereas decorative chrome is primarily for cosmetic purposes. Consequently, decorative chrome coatings are typically much thinner than hard chrome coatings.

 

Is hard chrome plating magnetic?

 

Hard chrome plating is non-magnetic in nature.

 

 

Does hard chrome rust?

 

Although hard chrome possesses exceptional corrosion resistance, it can gradually rust in extended periods within wet environments due to its micro-crack structure.

 

Is chrome plating toxic?

 

Chromium, in its liquid state, is a carcinogen. However, once the plating process is finished, the plated material becomes entirely non-toxic.

 

Does the quality of chrome matter?

 

Definitely! It's preferable to avoid plating altogether than to opt for low-quality chrome. Poor quality chrome finishes tend to develop pores, leaving the material vulnerable to elements like hydrogen, oxygen, electrical currents, or dirt. Environmental factors such as wind, moisture, and water, carrying these elements, expedite the corrosion of the base material.

 

Is there a Distinction Between Chrome and Chromium?

 

Although these terms are commonly interchanged, they hold slight differences. Chromium refers to an element listed on the periodic table, whereas chrome denotes chromium that has been plated onto another material.

 

How much does hard chrome plating cost?

 

The price of hard chrome plating can vary significantly, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Several factors influence the cost, including the size of the item, quantity, and desired plating thickness. However, hard chrome plating typically incurs higher costs compared to other plating methods due to factors such as the complexity of the process, labor, material costs, and demand.

 

How thick can chrome plating be applied?

 

Hard chrome plating generally ranges between 0.0008 to 0.0050 inches in thickness. In contrast, thin dense chrome falls within a thickness range of 0.0002 to 0.0006 inches. The specific thickness of chrome plating applied depends on its intended application.

 

What happens when chrome heats?

 

Exposure to high temperatures causes chrome plating to become soft. Nonetheless, it retains its resistance to weather conditions, preventing rust formation. Hard chrome plating significantly extends the lifespan of the base material.

 

Can you re-chrome over chrome?

 

Re-chroming hard chrome plating is feasible. Chemical strippers can remove the existing deposits without harming the base material. The process involves stripping off the old chrome, polishing the surface to eliminate defects and scratches, and subsequently re-plating the material. Re-chroming necessitates thorough preparation to achieve the desired finish.

 

Common Issues with Hard Chrome Plating and Their Solutions

 

While hard chrome plating offers numerous advantages, encountering certain challenges before and after the process is common. Here are four prevalent problems and their respective solutions:

 

1. Oxidation: Natural metal oxidation can hinder plating adhesion to the base material, particularly when metals resist corrosion. To prevent this, apply the plating before exposing the metal to water, moisture, or wind.

2. Blistering: Nitrogen and hydrogen expansion within pores due to heat can lead to bubbles forming on or within the platings, hindering optimal hard chrome performance. Thoroughly cleaning the base metal before applying hard chrome helps mitigate this issue.

3. Burned Deposits: Rapid chromium deposition at high current densities, particularly around material edges and ends, can result in burned deposits. Controlling the current density effectively prevents these areas from burning during the chrome buildup.

4. Cleavage Points: Occurring during the die-casting phase, cleavage points emerge when materials split along structural planes, reducing toughness. Maintaining control over the current density during the process is crucial to prevent this issue.