What Is Hard Chrome Plating?
A variety of industrial applications use hard chrome plating to increase the wear and corrosion resistance of equipment components. Hard chrome plating reduces friction between machine parts and improves component durability. A hard chrome coating extends the lifespan of machine components and reduces maintenance downtime and expenses.
Hard chrome plating can apply to a wide variety of base metals to strengthen an equipment component without compromising its original properties. Base metals that chrome plating can be applied to include: steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze, and more. Depending on the specific purpose, hard chrome plating can vary widely in thickness to meet precise project needs.
Hard chrome plating can benefit nearly any machine component or part. Because of its low friction, hard chrome plating is effective for moving parts like rotors and pistons to reduce operating temperatures and improve the lifespan of equipment parts. Manufacturers of hard chrome plating can polish it to superior smoothness for rounded components like print cylinders and rollers, while still providing exceptional resistance to wear when used with abrasive products like textiles, paper, limestone or sand.
The superior corrosion resistance of hard chrome plating makes it effective in pharmaceutical, chemical and oil and gas applications.
What Is Decorative Chrome Plating?
Decorative chrome plating has more limited applications than hard chrome plating, but serves an essential role in many industries. Although it does not offer the same strength and durability as hard chrome, decorative chrome finishes can still provide a thin protective coating when applied to automobile parts, tools and utensils. Decorative chrome finishes protects against rust and wear when products get exposed to wet or corrosive conditions.
Decorative chrome plating also provides a smooth and shiny appearance that is easy to clean, making it desirable for various consumer products. If used solely for aesthetic appeal, decorative chrome plating is sometimes applied using inexpensive imitation chrome finishes instead of actual chromium.
For suggest on which finish to choose, contact Starway group!