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Hard chrome plating by electrolysis
Hard chrome plating, also known as industrial chrome plating, is a surface treatment process used to improve the surface properties of metal parts. Unlike decorative chrome plating, which is mainly used for aesthetics, hard chrome plating aims to give surfaces specific functional characteristics.
The benefits of hard chrome plating
- Wear resistance: Hard chrome plating significantly increases the hardness of the surface, making it more resistant to abrasion and mechanical wear.
- Durability: It extends the life of parts by reducing the effects of friction and providing resistance to corrosion.
- Reduced friction: Hard chrome surfaces have a low coefficient of friction, making them ideal for applications where movement and wear are critical factors.
- Versatility: Hard chrome plating can be applied to a variety of materials, including steels, alloys and some non-ferrous metals.
The principle of hard chrome plating
Hard chrome plating improves the surface characteristics of the base materials, with a thickness defined according to plan specifications.
Types of hard chrome plating
- Chrome flash: This type of chrome plating has a thickness between 0.005 and 0.02 mm. It is applied directly to the dimension without requiring mechanical recovery.
- Thick chrome: With a thickness greater than 0.02 mm, this type of chrome plating requires grinding after application to achieve the desired dimensions and finish.
Potential applications
Hard chrome plating is a versatile solution that finds applications in many industries. Here are some of the main industrial applications of hard chrome plating:
- Automotive industry: Cylinders and pistons, crankshafts, cogwheels and gears.
- Aeronautics: Landing gear, hydraulic components, turbine blades.
- Oil and gas industry: Drilling equipment, valves and taps, pumps and compressors.
- Tool manufacturing: Plastic injection molds. cutting and forming tools, rollers and cylinders.
- Textile industry: Rollers and cylinders of textile machines. spinning machine components.
- Paper industry: Calender and press rollers, cutting blades.
- Food processing industry: Processing machine components, rollers and cylinders.
Our additional services
In addition to hard chrome plating, we offer additional services to guarantee the quality and performance of the treated parts:
- Hardness checks: To ensure that surface hardness meets required specifications.
- Magnetic particle testing: Used to detect cracks and other surface defects not visible to the naked eye.
- Passivation: A chemical treatment aimed at improving the corrosion resistance of metal parts.