Hard chrome plating is essential for reducing wear and tear on machinery components and increasing the durability of your products. Unlike decorative chroming, this process creates an extremely durable surface that’s resistant to heat, protects against corrosion, and lowers your maintenance costs. Keep reading to find out how your precision shop applies this performance-enhancing coating.

How Hard Chrome Plating Works

Electrochemical Plating

Like any electrochemical plating process, hard chrome plating starts with a chromic acid solution, containing high concentrations of chromium. Passing an electrical current through the solution excites the chromium molecules, binding them to the surface of the object. Leaving the item in the solution for longer periods results in a thicker, more durable layer of chrome.

The Difference Between Decorative & Hard Chrome Plating

The decorative chrome used to enhance the look of motorcycle and car parts is essentially the same process employed in industrial applications. The primary difference is the thickness of the chrome layer. While a decorative chrome surface might only be a few micrometers thick, a hard industrial coating may be up to 250 micrometers, lending the object some of the special characteristics of chrome.

The Benefits of Hard Chrome Plating

Chrome is much harder than most other metals, including many types of steel, and creates much less friction than almost any other material. This makes it perfect for applications in which parts continuously rub against one another. It’s also highly corrosion-resistant, able to withstand harsh chemicals, and is generally impervious to extreme temperatures. When chrome plating does develop chips or pits, the process can be repeated, making your industrial components last indefinitely.

As one of the oldest hard chrome plating shops in the region, R. A. Heller Co. offers fast service and excellent results to businesses throughout the Cincinnati area. No matter what industry you’re in, their team of qualified professionals has the expertise and advanced equipment to protect your valuable machinery. Visit their website for more on their hard chrome plating capabilities, follow their Twitter for tips and advice, or call (513) 771-6100 to discuss your project and request a quote.