Difference Between Decorative And Hard Chrome Chrome Plate Process

Do you know the difference between Hard Chrome Plating and decorative chrome plating? If you want to know more about their differences and their application, read on.

 

Hard Chrome Plating

 

Are you confused on what hard chrome plating is? What is it for and how it is applied? Hard chrome plating is basically a heavy chrome coating applied on copper, metal, steel and nickel surfaces which need a boost in anti-corrosive properties. Hard chrome plating is a lot more thicker compared to decorative chrome plating and is a lot more durable. Its thickness will depend on the total amount of time that the object to be chromed is placed inside the vat. The longer the object is submerged in the chromium vat, the thicker the plating is.

 

Where is hard chrome plating applied? Most of the manufacturing industries and chemical companies use this process to enhance the shelf life of their machineries and components. Best examples of chrome plating application would include:

 

ü  Cylinder rods

ü  Machine parts

ü  Thread guides

ü  Piston

ü  Rollers

ü  Hydraulic machines

ü  Spare parts or machine components

ü  Guns

 

..And so much more. There are a lot of applications for hard chrome plating. However, if you want a shiner and more lustrous appearance with minimal wear and tear resistance then you can opt for decorative chrome plating. Here are the facts about decorative plating.

 

Decorative Chrome Plating

 

Decorative chrome plate is also called as nickel-chrome plating. This is due to the electroplating nickel done on the object first before it is plated with chrome. There are also instances where copper is used first before the chrome plating. The nickel plating is the one which will provide the smoothness, much of the corrosion resistance and reflectivity of the plated surface. The chrome plating for decorative purposes is thinner compared to the hard chrome plating.

 

When looking at decorative plating, like truck wheels or bumpers, you will see the effects of nickel plating rather then the chrome. The chrome only adds small bluish effect or cast on the surface and adds protection for the nickel or copper against tarnish. You can compare this to other coated materials and you will distinguish which is chrome plated and which is not.

 

When you choose any of the two methods, either hard chrome plating or decorative plating, you will attain both protection, rust resistance, reflective appearance and decorative appeal for your object.

 

What do you think of chrome plating now? Do you need it for your car or machine parts? Visit http://ast.net.au/ now.