Hard Chrome Plating High Wear, Low Friction, and Improved Corrosion Resistance

Hard Chrome Plating
High Wear, Low Friction, and Improved Corrosion Resistance

Hard Chrome plating (also known as “Industrial Chrome”) is applied to ferrous and nonferrous materials to improve wear and abrasion resistance, reduce friction, prevent seizing and galling, and to restore the dimensions of undersized parts.

Hard Chrome is used in a variety of industries including: Nuclear, Aerospace, Automotive, Lawn and Garden and many more. Contact an Electrolizing sales engineer to discuss your specific application.

APPLICATIONS
Hard Chrome can be applied to carbon alloy steel, iron castings, copper alloys, all types of stainless steel and aluminum alloys. It improves the performance of:
• Piston rings & valves
• Tools & dies
• Printing wear roll surfaces
• Brake discs
• Auto engine, drive train and suspension parts
• Motor shafts
• Aircraft landing gears and components
• Machinery parts
• Medical devices
• Fasteners
• Firearm components
• Gears

Hard Chrome Coating

Specifications

AMS 2460 - AMS 2460 is the new specification to cover chromium plating, intented to replace AMS-QQ-C-320.

AMS-QQ-C-320
AMS 2406
AMS 2438
ASTM B-177
ASTM B-254

FEATURES
Standard Thickness
The standard thickness for Hard Chrome plating in nonsalvage applications is .0002 - .0006” (.00508 - .01524 mm). High wear applications should have .001" or more for the best results. At .03937” (1 mm) or less, Hard Chrome can usually be plated to specified tolerances, depending upon the configuration of the part. Thickness over 1 mil generally requires the plating to be applied thicker than desired, then ground to size.

Surface Roughness
Most RMA finishes can be maintained using our Hard Chrome plating process. For best results, the area to be coated should be completely finished prior to processing. For surface finishes finer than 6 RMS, post-plate lapping or polishing may be required.

Hardness
Hard Chrome plate hardness is Rc 65-68, measured on a cross-section with an appropriate micro-hardness tester.

Chemical/Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion resistance of Hard Chrome plating depends on factors such as basis metal, Roughness Height Reading (RHR), surface porosity of basis metal, micro-inch finish, corrosive media, and coating thickness. Although Hard Chrome plating offers good corrosion resistance, for parts that require greater hardness and corrosion resistance, various non-corrosive coatings may need to be applied prior to plating.

Masking
A variety of different types of masking is available to protect the hard chrome from coating in unwanted areas. Please consult an Electrolizing sales engineer for your masking requirements.