When you want to protect your equipment and materials against wear and corrosion, you have several options. However, few of them offer the advantages of chrome plating. Chrome is probably best known as ornamentation for the auto industry, however, hard chrome plating is a process that offers different applications for a variety of industries. It can help ensure that the devices you use daily last for years to come. Below are the benefits of protecting your industrial goods with hard chrome plating.

What Is Hard Chrome Plating?

Chrome plating is an industrial electroplating process that uses a chromic acid solution to apply chromium onto a variety of metal parts such as, metal bolts, shafts, pins and other industrial machinery. The purpose is to protect the underlying metal against damage and corrosion. It also reduces the friction of the material. This helps extend the lifespan of materials and avoid the need for costly repairs or replacements. The plating is generally between 0.01 and 0.5 millimeters thick.

How Does Hard Chrome Plating Work?

Materials are placed in a plating bath that contains a solution of dissolved metallic chromium. Electricity is run through the bath, and the current pulls chromium from the solution and deposits it onto the "substrate," which is the underlying material that you wanted to be coated. Technicians can adjust the plating thickness by modifying the amount of current and the bath chemistry. This makes the process versatile, and you can use it to chrome-plate a variety of equipment.

What Are Some of the Advantages of Hard Chrome Plating

Chromium is corrosion-resistant, so it is useful in harsh or humid environments where rust might otherwise consume machinery or equipment. Hard chrome plating also helps materials withstand extreme hot and cold temperature without fracturing or melting. Being able to survive in all of these limits make chrome-plating ideal for factories, outdoor construction, and standard industrial repairs.

For expert application of hard chrome plating for your machinery and materials, contact R. A. Heller Co, an experienced machine shop in Cincinnati, OH. They are locally-owned and operated and have been serving commercial and industrial clients throughout the Tri-state area since 1946. In addition to hard chrome plating, they also specialize in machining, precision grinding, and piston rod repair. They will ensure that their process is best for your business, and they will provide efficient and cost-effective results. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call (513) 771-6100 to schedule a consultation.