When you think of chrome, you might imagine aesthetic or ornamental improvements; however, this shiny metal also has a variety of functional applications, especially when it comes to hard chrome plating. If you’re interested in learning more about this metal finishing process and its benefits, dive into the following guide.

What Is Chrome Plating?

Chrome plating involves dipping objects made of other types of metal in the element chromium. Through an electrochemical process, a thin layer of the metal is deposited to the surface of the other metal. First, the object is degreased and thoroughly cleaned to optimize the bond. Then, it is dipped into a bath or tank full of liquid chrome solution.

This process can be performed on everything from steel, copper, and brass. Often times, it's used inside agricultural or industrial equipment, on the cylinders, shafts, and rotors.

What Are the Benefits?

Hard chrome plating helps to prevent corrosion. That’s because, unlike steel, aluminum, and other types of metal, this finish won’t rust when exposed to oxygen in air or water. That’s why it’s so useful in industrial, automotive, and agricultural applications, all of which are heavily exposed to the elements.

Hard chrome plating is also popular for protecting machinery components from mechanical friction. This allows machines to last longer and function more efficiently, reducing the risk of seizing up or overheating. Another advantage of hard chrome plating is that it can be repeated as needed. If the finish starts to wear off after years of use, you can have the component re-plated.
 

To protect your metal components with hard chrome plating, turn to R.A. Heller Co. They’ve been performing machine engineering services since 1946, so they have over seven decades of experience refining their operations. Within their 20,000-square-foot facility, you can rest assured your project—no matter the size—will be completed punctually and properly. To learn more about their equipment and services, visit the website. You can also call (513) 771-6100 to speak with a representative about your needs.