Chrome plating is a surface treatment that is found in many everyday and industrial products and it is applied to metal items to protect them and to improve how they look. You can see it on vehicle parts, tools, fittings and household items.
Why It Is Used
Chrome plating helps metal resist rust and surface damage and it also creates a shiny finish that makes products look high quality. It can be used for decoration or it can improve how parts function, especially where repeated use is involved. Chromium processes are common in manufacturing but require careful handling due to the chemicals used. This shows how important the process is across many industries.
How the Process Works
Chrome plating, like the examples seen here, https://www.poeton.co.uk/advanced-treatments/apticote-100-hard-chrome-plating/ works through electroplating. The metal object must first be cleaned and polished so the coating will stick properly as any dirt left on the surface will show through in the final finish. Once prepared, the object is placed into a solution that contains chromium salts and it is connected to an electrical circuit as the cathode. When electricity flows through the solution, chromium particles move toward the object and bond to its surface. The smoother the base metal is, the better the final result will be.
Types and Removal
There are two main types of chrome coating: decorative chrome and hard chrome. Decorative chrome is about appearance, while hard chrome is used for wear resistance. Coatings can become damaged and when this happens, the old layer must be removed using suitable methods before a new one is applied.
