Chrome Plating- is the technique of electroplating a thin layer of chromium onto a metal object. This plating provides corrosion resistance, eases cleaning procedures, increases the surface hardness and also offers a decorative shine. Though differentiating between chrome plated surface and other polished surfaces is tough; yet it is possible as chrome plating is more reflective, specular (gives mirror like reflection) and bluer than others.
There are many variations to this process, depending on the type of substrate being plated. Different substrates need different etching solutions, such as hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, and sulfuric acids. Ferric chloride is also popular for the etching of Nimonic alloys. Sometimes the component enters the chrome plating vat electrically live. Sometimes the component has a conforming anode made from lead/tin or platinized titanium. A typical hard chrome vat plates at about 1 mil (25 µm) per hour.
These days, chrome plating is widely used for its aesthetics display and durability especially in the motor parts industry where most decorative items affixed to cars were referred to as “chrome,” meaning steel that had undergone several plating processes to endure the temperature changes and weather that a car is subject to outdoors.
Chrome Plating is usually being used in Industrial, Interior & Turnkey, Signages and Hospitality.