Hard chrome plating process

There are two types of chrome plating – hard chrome plating and thin dense chrome plating – that can be applied to the surface of various metals. Hard chrome plating requires a thicker layer of chrome on the surface of a metal than thin dense chrome plating. Hard chrome plating is usually used for engineering purposes which requires the metal to be strong and durable. Read more about hard chrome plating below:

What is the process?

There are various types of chrome plating such as crack free chromium, micro-cracked chromium, porous chromium and micro-porous chromium. Each of these hard chrome plating types are required to follow a different plating process. For example, micro-porous chromium involves the use of inert suspended particles. Porous chromium, on the other hand is achieved by etching electrodeposited chromium. The hard chrome plating is then finished off with further polishing or grinding to improve the surface.

What is it used for?

Hard chrome plating is used in applications that expose the material to a large amount of wear and tear such as high temperatures or a large amount of pressure. The thick layer of chrome is required for the protection of the metal, whether it be regular steel, stainless steel, aluminium or another material. The hard chrome plating process also reduces friction and can sometimes improve corrosion resistance. The thickness of the chrome plating can vary between 0.020mm and 0.127mm for hard chrome plating, depending on the application it is intended for.