All About Hard Chrome Plating

In the metal processing industry, in particular, the use of the hard chrome plating process is of great importance. It ensures that a strong coating well protects the surface of metal parts. However, hard chrome plating is a process that respects basic principles and has its own characteristics. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you need to know about chrome plating.

Hard chrome plating: what is it?

Hard chromium plating is a process that optimizes the life of metal parts through a renewed deposit of chromium. Here, it is possible to recharge the parts which have a great thickness so that they find their aspect of origin and better prolong their lifespan. For these reasons, companies that treat metal parts always use this high-end process.

The fundamental quality of hard chrome plating is its high wear resistance and hardness. With hard chrome plating, the service life of parts can be 5 to 6 times longer than parts that have not received such treatment.

A high-end process

Hard chromium plating is a surface treatment process using electrolysis to deposit metallic chromium on the surfaces to be treated to give them the properties of this metal.

This well-known and unrivaled treatment differs from decorative chromium plating in that it is much harder and thicker (from a few micrometers to a millimeter).

This coating is preferred in the mechanical field for rotating or translating parts that must resist wear and have good friction qualities and for fields where adhesion could be a handicap (plastics, rolling mill rolls, etc.). Hard chromium plating provides the material on which it is deposited with a good coefficient of friction and ensures good wear and corrosion resistance properties.

The principle of hard chrome plating

The chrome treatment process is carried out by electrolysis of a chromic acid solution. Hard chrome plating is carried out at low temperatures. Thus, the various parts that are coated are not subject to deformation.

In addition, the hard chrome adheres very well to all parts, and its contribution can be well limited to useful areas. In addition, the hard chrome plating process is grindable, polishable, and even lappable. 

Also, in the context of a repair, hard chrome can be easily removed without any alteration of the mechanical or chemical support. You can, therefore, easily remove it in order to carry out your work.

The advantages of hard chrome plating

Hard chrome plating has a very high resistance to erosion, friction, and abrasion. Thus, like epoxy paint, it protects all the surfaces it covers very well. Whether it is with small or large metal parts, it always gives the best results.

Above all, hard chrome plating ensures that the parts are treated without deforming them. It can therefore be applied to all types of metals without causing damage. It is also resistant to oxidation and chemical attack.

In addition, it is one of the best substances that are able to improve thermal properties. Hard chrome plating also has the advantage of being applied to all forms of the most recycled metals. It has a very low coefficient of friction and improves sliding characteristics very well.

Types of chrome deposits

In the metal processing industry, there are several types of chromium deposits for coating metal parts, whatever their nature and shape. They are listed below.

Special deposits

With special deposits, each case of coating is examined by CIC. Thus, before proceeding to the coating of parts, it is necessary to know their nature in order to know how to proceed.

Clearance deposits

Free-form deposits are reserved for special cases. With this type of chromium deposit, the professionals follow in-house specification processes in order to carry out degassing heat treatments.

Chromium in thickness

Ranging from 50 microns to 1 mm and sometimes more, thick chromium is specially reserved for corrosions, repairs, and intensive abrasions. It provides excellent protection for all surfaces it covers.

Final thoughts

Here is some of the information you need to know about hard chrome plating. Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about chrome plating.