An introduction to hard chrome plating

Hard chrome plating is a process that is used to increase the wear resistance of metal products. It is typically used to extend the lifetime of materials that will be subject to regular friction once in use, such as valves, tools and machinery.

Why choose hard chrome plating?

There are a variety of ways in which metal can be protected against excessive wear, corrosion and friction, but hard chrome plating is typically selected in instances when a sacrificial surface is required.

Hard chrome plating involves submerging the metal object that is to be treated in a chromic acid bath while passing an electric current through it, causing chromium to adhere to its surface. After this, the part is rinsed, and in some cases, post-treatment, such as grinding, is necessary to achieve a smooth finish.

Specialists such as https://www.poeton.co.uk/advanced-treatments/apticote-100-hard-chrome-plating/ are pioneering new hard chrome plating treatments that aim to reduce the need for post-treatment, resulting in a smoother finish straight away, with less re-work and wastage.

The importance of quality control

Defects may occur during the hard chrome plating process if the bath chemistry is not kept at optimum levels or the current density fluctuates. Post-treatment aims to remove any imperfections that occur during the process. However, this can thin the applied surface, reducing its lifetime and making it more vulnerable to pitting or corrosion in the future.

By maintaining a strict quality control process at all times and using appropriate materials, it is possible to minimise the need for post-treatment, thus reducing costs, increasing efficiency and achieving a longer product in-service period.