Question 1

How does chrome plating work?

Accepted Answer

Chrome plating is a process in which metal parts are immersed in a special bath and coated with a thin layer of chrome. This bath contains a chrome solution. The chrome is then deposited on the metal part by applying an electric current. This process is also known as chrome electroplating.

There are several steps involved in electroplating:

First, the metal part to be chrome plated is thoroughly cleaned to remove any impurities such as grease, oil or rust. This is important to ensure good adhesion of the chrome. Chemical baths and mechanical cleaning techniques such as grinding or blasting are often used for this.
After cleaning, the part is immersed in an electrolyte bath with chromium solution. This solution contains chromic acid and other chemicals required to keep the chromium ions stable in the bath.
A negative charge is applied to the workpiece, while anodes in the bath are positively charged. When current flows through the bath, the positively charged chromium ions are attracted to the negatively charged surface of the metal part and begin to deposit there. This process is known as electroplating.
The thickness of the layer is then checked. The process is carefully monitored to ensure that the chromium layer is applied evenly and to the desired thickness. The duration of the electroplating process depends on the desired layer thickness.
After the workpiece has been removed from the bath, it is often rinsed with water to remove excess chromic acid. Sometimes further steps follow, such as polishing, to further refine the surface and achieve the desired shine.
Finally, the chrome-plated part undergoes quality control. This ensures that the chrome layer has been applied correctly and meets the specific requirements.

Chrome plating requires specialist knowledge in order to achieve optimum results. As an experienced service provider, we specialize in this type of chrome electroplating. Simply give us a call or write to us.

Question 2

Which materials do we chrome plate?

Accepted Answer

A variety of materials can be chrome-plated. However, metals are very often plated with chrome. Below are some of the most commonly chrome-plated materials:

Both unalloyed and alloyed steel can be chrome plated. This greatly improves its corrosion and wear resistance and creates an aesthetically pleasing surface.
Stainless steel can also be chrome plated to further enhance its natural corrosion resistance and improve its appearance.
Although aluminum has an oxide layer that provides some corrosion resistance, it can be chrome plated. Additional chrome plating enhances these properties and makes the metal more decorative.
Copper and its own alloys, such as brass and bronze, can also be chrome-plated. This emphasizes their natural beauty and increases their resistance to corrosion and wear.
Zinc and zinc alloys are also popular for chrome plating, especially in the automotive and electronics industries where additional protection against corrosion is required.
Magnesium and its alloys can also be chrome plated to increase their corrosion resistance and for decorative purposes.

Different materials require different pre-treatments such as cleaning, polishing and sometimes the application of an undercoat (e.g. for copper or nickel) before the actual chrome plating can take place.

If you would like to have your parts chrome-plated, please contact us for advice. Write us an e-mail or give us a call.

Question 3

What types of chrome plating are there?

Accepted Answer

There are two main types of chrome plating. The choice of the type of chrome plating depends heavily on the intended use and the requirements of the component. They differ in terms of properties and areas of application:

Decorative chrome plating is often used to not only protect parts, but also to improve them aesthetically. A very thin layer of chrome is applied to make the workpiece shiny and attractive.
Underneath this layer of chrome is often a thicker layer of nickel, which provides additional corrosion protection and the desired surface texture. Nickel provides the actual resistance, while the chrome provides a hard, shiny surface that is also easy to clean.
Decorative chrome plating is often used for car and motorcycle parts, sanitary fittings, household appliances and other consumer goods.
Functional or industrial chrome plating, also known as hard chrome or engineering chrome, is primarily used for its technical benefits such as wear resistance, low friction and corrosion protection.
The chrome layer is much thicker than with decorative chrome plating. This process is often used for machine parts, hydraulic cylinders, shafts, pressure rollers and other components that have to function under extreme conditions.
Functional chrome plating significantly increases the service life of the treated parts and helps to extend maintenance intervals.

Both processes require special pre- and post-treatment of the parts and the use of specific chemical solutions to ensure the quality of the chrome layer.

Question 4

What surface finishes are available apart from chrome plating?

Accepted Answer

In addition to chrome plating, we also offer other techniques for galvanic surface finishing. We have compiled a list of these below: Rhodium plating protects workpieces against corrosion and gives them a very high resistance to chemical influences. We use the barrel electroplating process to gold plate small to very small components and workpieces. With silver plating, we refine technical parts, sacred devices, jewelry and the like. Nickel plating gives parts a white, silver-like color and protects them from corrosion. Copper plating is often used for the restoration of classic cars. It is possible to coat complicated geometries without any problems. We tin-coat electrical contacts to improve their chemical resistance and ensure better solderability. As experienced professionals in electroplating and electroplated surface coating, we can always solve any challenge. We will convince you too! Simply give us a call, send us a message or use our contact form.

Chrome plating of small and large parts

Chrome plating for all industries

Performance overview for chrome plating:

Surface refinement by galvanic chrome plating

Galvanic chromium plating - Characteristics

Questions and answers about chrome plating

How does chrome plating work?

Which materials do we chrome plate?

What types of chrome plating are there?

What surface finishes are available apart from chrome plating?