Dorsetware Limited

Chromium coating is a technique that consists of electroplating a thin layer of the chemical element onto metal, to provide protection against wear and corrosion. This popular procedure utilises a chromium substance to cover different metal surfaces and is used for a wide range of creative and industrial functions. These include hydraulic cylinders and pistons, automotive and mechanical parts, press punches and tooling, mining and agriculture appliances, shafts and rotors, textiles and printing tools, alongside moulds and screws.
Here are four different types of chromium applications. All four can provide long-lasting durability and resistance to corrosion, wear and impact whilst maintaining an elegant design.

1. Hard Chrome Coating

Hard chrome plating is an electrolytic method that deposits chromium onto an underlying layer. It can be applied to all natural engineering alloys, providing high levels of adherence to the substrate. Hard chrome enhances durability, wear, and hardness, whilst creating a low element of resistance that makes it the best choice for metal and metal sliding utilisation. Hard chrome coating is often applied to external areas to simplify subsequent machining and to achieve more porosity, due to its thickness.2.Crack-free Chromium Coating

2. Crack-free Chromium Coating

Chromium electroplating is an enhanced version of hard chrome, which is corrosion-resistant and applicable for variegated and nonuniform shapes. Crack-free chromium coating can be utilised even at low temperatures with a wide range of metals, including stainless steel, copper, and brass. While all chromium coating can be used on soft and hard surfaces, this approach is more appropriate to harder surfaces with almost no danger of delamination or flaking.

3. Decorative Coating

Decorative coating has more limited functions than hard chrome plating, but plays a crucial role in several industries. In spite of its reduced strength and durability, it still provides a thin protective coating when used on car parts, tools, kitchen utensils and musical instrument hardware. Decorative chrome plating also preserves metals against rust and wear, especially when they are under wet or corrosive conditions. It produces a smooth and shiny presentation that is easy to clean, making it the ideal solution for several consumer products. Decorative chrome plating is very handy because of its tiny size, compared to more durable hard chrome plating.

4. Thin Dense Coating

Thin dense coating is generally used in internal areas and inside diameters, resulting in a better uniformity and a reduction in the honing of the plated surfaces. Chromium use in thin dense coating leads to longer fatigue life, smoother surface, and higher resistance to rust. Although a thin layer, it is often more expensive than hard chrome due to its chromate conversion. However, there are plenty of benefits of thin dense coating including increased wear life, good heat resistance and greater corrosion protection when used on dies, aircrafts, and medical instruments.

For more information about our chrome plating services in Poole and how we could help with your next electroplating, metal finishing or plating project, fill out our contact form or give us a call on 01202 677939.