Chrome Plating

Black Chrome Plating

Black Chrome Plating Processing

BriefIntroduction to Black Chrome Plating Process

Black chrome plating refers to coating the surface of a workpiece with a layer of black chrome. The black chrome coating is not pure metallic chrome, but an amorphous oxide crystal. The content of metallic chrome in the coating is only 50%-70%, while the rest is chromium oxide. The black chrome coating has a loose crystalline structure with a branching pattern, which allows it to fully absorb light waves and appear black. It has been proven that black chrome coating is the most excellent selective absorber among all black electroplating and coating as solar energy development continues. The ratio of the absorption rate (a) to the reflection rate (y) of black chrome coating can be greater than 10, making it widely used in solar energy collectors, weapons, optical instruments and cameras. In addition, black is relatively solemn, so it is increasingly used in automotive, daily light industry decorative parts, and other fields.

Black chrome plating is divided into hexavalent black chrome and trivalent black chrome. Generally speaking, there is still a significant difference in performance between trivalent black chrome and hexavalent black chrome, especially in terms of corrosion resistance.

Common Substrates for Black Chrome Plating

Copper parts

Direct black chrome plating on copper and brass substrates is possible, but it is not reasonable to do so even if avoiding electrochemical corrosion. This is because the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the black chrome coating and copper or brass is significant. If no underplating is used, the black chrome coating will crack over time and fall off the substrate. Therefore, the corrosion resistance of black chrome mainly depends on the quality of the substrate coating. The more reasonable and commonly used underplating is a nickel plating layer.

Stainless steel

Black chrome plating on stainless steel is also common, but since the surface of stainless steel is in a severely passive state, black chrome plating on stainless steel should first be plated with a flash nickel in a high-chloride nickel plating tank. If the black chrome layer requires a relatively bright appearance, a bright nickel layer should also be plated before the black chrome plating.

Aluminum parts

Aluminum alloys can be chrome plated. Compared with other substrates, the bonding strength between aluminum and the chrome plating layer is weaker. Therefore, chrome plating on aluminum alloys is more challenging and requires specialized plating plants for aluminum alloy chrome plating. For example, many aluminum alloy wheels are now chrome plated.

Thickness and Hardness of Black Chrome Plating

The thickness of black chrome plating is generally around 5μm. For workpieces that require light absorption or energy absorption, the desired thickness can be achieved with a deposition time of 15-20 minutes during actual electroplating. Of course, as the plating time is prolonged, the thickness will increase, but the speed will decrease significantly.

Due to the fact that the black chrome plating is not pure metallic chromium (the content of metallic chromium accounts for only 50%-70% of the plating layer), the wear resistance of black chrome plating is much lower than that of hard chrome plating, with only HV130-350, which is equivalent to HRC0-35.5. The actual wear resistance is similar to that of ordinary chrome plating. In addition, black chrome plating has high thermal stability. When heated to 480℃, there is no obvious change in appearance, and the adhesion between the plating layer and the substrate is good. (Note: The hardness of the hard chrome plating layer on the workpiece will sharply decrease in high-temperature environments above 500℃.)

Color of hard chrome plating

black, divided into bright black (for appearance parts) and matte black (for light absorption).

Difference between black chrome plating and black nickel plating

Whether it is corrosion resistance, wear resistance, or solar energy absorption, black chrome plating performs better than black nickel plating.

Black Chrome Plating Process:

The general process for black chrome plating is as follows: (using steel as an example for bright black chrome plating)

Hanging
Chemical degreasing
Cleaning
Electrochemical degreasing
Cleaning
Acid pickling to remove rust
Cleaning
Chloride copper plating
Cleaning
Nickel electroplating
Cleaning
Black Chrome plating
Cleaning
Air drying
Unhanging
Polishing (if necessary)
Oil application (spindle oil)
Quality inspection
Packaging
Shipping.

Pricing for Black Chrome Plating

The pricing for black chrome plating is slightly more expensive than hard chrome plating:

Price Per Piece

The price per piece depends on the size of the workpiece and the quantity of workpieces in the current batch. The larger the quantity, the lower the unit price. (The range is wide, ranging from a few cents to tens of USD.)

Minimum Charge

Generally around 30 USD;

Price Per Weight

For larger workpieces, the price is generally around 3 USD/kg.

Black Chrome Plating Processing - Production Equipment Showcase.

Display of Inspection Equipment for Black Chrome Plating Processing.

For hard chrome plating processing, the common inspections include thickness measurement and hardness testing. The main inspection equipment for thickness measurement includes portable and X-ray thickness gauges. For hardness testing, there are portable hardness testers, ultrasonic hardness testers, and microhardness testers.

Black Chrome Plating Processing Sample Case

Automotive parts:

Black chrome plating can provide a sleek and modern look to automotive parts such as wheels, grilles, and trim.

Decorative items:

Black chrome plating can be used on a variety of decorative items, such as lighting fixtures, furniture, and household accessories.

Sporting goods:

Black chrome plating can provide a durable and stylish finish for sporting goods, such as golf clubs, fishing reels, and firearms.

Jewelry:

Black chrome plating can give a unique and contemporary look to jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Musical instruments:

Black chrome plating can be used on musical instruments, such as guitars and drum hardware, to provide a sleek and modern appearance.

Decorative Chrome Plating

Decorative Chrome Plating - Process Overview

Decorative chrome plating refers to the process of depositing a very thin layer of chromium on a polished workpiece, resulting in a silver-blue mirror-like coating with high gloss. Decorative chrome plating not only provides a decorative effect but also has excellent corrosion resistance, making it widely used in various applications. If we observe carefully in our daily lives, we can find many products with decorative chrome plating.

Chromium has a strong passivation ability, which makes it easy to form an extremely thin passivation film on the surface of the workpiece. This film does not change in humid air and can maintain its appearance for a long time, presenting a luxurious and metallic appearance. The plated layer is bright, and beautiful, and has a silver-blue gloss like a mirror, which has excellent decorative properties.

Decorative chrome plating is commonly referred to as bright chrome, polished chrome, or even white chrome in the case of aluminum alloy plating. Depending on the electroplating process, different regions may refer to decorative chrome plating as copper-nickel-chrome plating, nickel-nickel-chrome plating, double-nickel-chrome plating, and so on.

Common substrates for decorative chrome plating:

Copper parts

After polishing, copper and brass substrates can be directly chrome-plated. However, due to the large difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the chrome plating layer and copper parts, if there is no underplating, the chrome plating layer will crack and fall off from the substrate over time. Therefore, in most applications, copper and nickel are plated as an underlayer on copper parts, followed by chrome plating.

Stainless steel

Decorative chrome plating is also common on stainless steel, but since the surface of stainless steel is in a severely passive state, it is necessary to first plate an impact nickel layer in a high chloride nickel plating bath. If the chrome layer still has a requirement for a bright appearance, a bright nickel layer should also be plated, and then chrome plated on the bright nickel layer.

Aluminum parts

It can be confirmed that aluminum alloy can be chrome plated because aluminum is a amphoteric metal that can react with both acids and bases. Therefore, electroplating on aluminum alloy is much more difficult than on other metals (usually requiring an additional process of double zinc plating) and requires a specialized chrome plating factory for aluminum alloy plating. Example: Many aluminum alloy wheels for cars are chrome-plated.

Zinc alloy

Decorative chrome plating on zinc alloys is very common. Most of the bathroom products in our homes are chrome-plated zinc alloys.

Coating thickness and hardness of decorative chrome plating

The thickness of the decorative chrome plating layer is generally between 5-12μm. In fact, this includes the copper/nickel underlayer used for plating, and the actual chrome plating layer is only 0.3-0.5μm thick. Due to the thinness of the chrome plating layer, the hardness of the decorative chrome plating is relatively poor, usually below HV200, and not wear-resistant.

Color of Decorative Chrome Plating

Silver-white with a blueish luster.

Process of Chrome-plating for Decorative Purposes

The general process of chrome-plating for iron/steel/copper parts is as follows:

Workpiece
polishing
wax removal
Hot immersion degreasing
Cathode
Anode
Cleaning
Electrolytic degreasing
Weak acid etching
Pre-plating alkaline copper
Acid bright copper (optional)
Bright nickel
Chrome plating

Workpiece
polishing
wax removal
hot immersion degreasing
cathode
anode
Cleaning
electrolytic degreasing
weak acid etching
semi-bright nickel/dull nickel
high sulfur nickel
bright nickel
nickel sealing (optional)
chrome plating

The process of chrome-plating for zinc alloys is as follows:

Workpiece
polishing
wax removal
hot immersion degreasing
cathodic electrolytic degreasing
acid dipping
alkaline bright copper
pyrophosphoric acid copper (optional)
acid bright copper (optional)
bright nickel
chrome plating

The process of chrome-plating for aluminum alloys is as follows:

Workpiece
polishing
wax removal
hot immersion degreasing
cathode
anode
Cleaning
electrolytic degreasing
weak acid etching
first chemical zinc immersion
zinc removal
second chemical zinc immersion
alkaline bright copper
pyrophosphoric acid copper (optional)
acid bright copper (optional)
bright nickel
chrome plating.

Pricing for Decorative Chrome Plating

We often have customers asking about the cost difference between hard chrome plating and decorative chrome plating. In fact, these are two completely different processes. Decorative chrome plating is mainly for aesthetic purposes, while hard chrome plating is for practical purposes, mainly for wear resistance.

Generally speaking, the price of decorative chrome plating is higher than that of hard chrome plating (not absolute, only based on the minimum consumption and weight-based charges).

Price per piece:

for smaller quantities, the price per piece depends on the size of the workpiece and the quantity of the current batch. The larger the quantity, the lower the unit price.

Minimum consumption:

generally between $10-20;

Weight-based charges:

for larger or heavier workpieces, the charge is generally around $2/kg.

Decorative Chrome Plating Processing - Production Equipment Display

Decorative Chrome Plating Processing | Inspection Equipment Display

Conventional testing includes thickness measurement and hardness testing. The main testing equipment includes thickness gauges (portable and X-ray tabletop types); hardness testing, mainly with portable hardness testers, ultrasonic hardness testers, microhardness testers, etc.

Decorative Chrome Plating Processing Sample Case

Below are some sample cases of decorative chrome plating:

Home accessories:

Decorative chrome plating can provide a noble and elegant appearance for home accessories, such as lamps, door handles, and furniture accessories.

Bathroom accessories:

Decorative chrome plating can provide a high-end and atmospheric appearance for bathroom accessories, such as faucets, shower heads, and bathroom accessories.

Toy models:

Decorative chrome plating can provide exquisite surface treatment for toy models, such as model cars, model airplanes, and figure models.

Jewelry:

Decorative chrome plating can provide a high-end appearance for jewelry, such as bracelets, rings, and necklaces.

Automotive accessories:

Decorative chrome plating can provide a stylish appearance for automotive accessories, such as wheels, grilles, and exhaust pipes.

These are just examples, decorative chrome plating can also be used in other fields and products, such as motorcycles, audio equipment, and electrical accessories, etc.

Deep holehard chrome plating

Introduction to the Process of Deep-Holehard Chrome Plating.

Due to its technical characteristics (or technical issues), hard chrome plating is difficult to apply on the inner walls of some tubular workpieces or in the deep recesses of some complex workpieces (especially for hexavalent chrome plating, which has limited diffusion and coverage capabilities of the coating; trivalent chrome plating performs slightly better, but still has limitations). However, in practical use, it is often necessary to electroplate chrome layers in these areas as well. Therefore, some chrome plating factories have overcome the problem of not being able to apply chrome plating on the inner surfaces of deep holes through extensive practical verification and technical accumulation, by optimizing the anode rod, adding auxiliary anodes, and other methods.

Process for Hard Chrome Plating on Deep Hole

Mechanical pretreatment (polishing)
Pre-degreasing
Hanging of parts
Installation of shielding material (if partial chrome plating is required)
Degreasing
Rinsing with water
Rust removal/activation
Rinsing with water
Anodic corrosion
Rinsing with water
Blowing with air
Removal of hanging parts

Degreasing

Chemical degreasing

Use a phosphorus-free degreaser to chemically degrease the deep hole at 60-80°C for 10-15 minutes. The concentration of the phosphorus-free degreaser when mixed should be 3-5%.

Electrolytic degreasing

Place the workpiece to be plated in the electrolyte as the anode or cathode for joint anode-cathode degreasing. The electrolyte includes NaOH, Na2CO3, Na3PO4, and Na2SiO3, with a concentration of 40-80g/L for NaOH, 20-50g/L for Na2CO3, 15-30g/L for Na3PO4, and 2-5g/L for Na2SiO3. The degreasing time includes 4-5 minutes for the cathode and 1-2 minutes for the anode per cycle.

Rinsing

Use clean water to rinse the deep hole.

Activation

At room temperature, immerse the workpiece to be plated in a hydrochloric acid solution for activation. The concentration of HCl is 1-200g/L, and the immersion time is 1-3 minutes.

Hot pure water rinsing

Use pure water at a temperature of 40-60°C to rinse the workpiece to be plated.

Mounting

Place the anode rod in the center of the deep hole of the workpiece to be plated. The anode rod includes a rod body, a copper core, and a contact piece. The rod body is a hollow structure, and the contact piece is in contact with the plating tank cathode rod. The copper core is fixed in the hollow cavity of the rod body, and the extending end of the copper core relative to the top surface of the rod body is fixedly connected to the contact piece.

Hard chrome plating on an inner hole

Place the mounted workpiece in the plating tank for chrome plating. The plating solution includes CrO3 and H2SO4, with a concentration of 150-300g/L for CrO3 and 1.5-3.0g/L for H2SO4. The plating tank temperature is 55-65°C, the current density is 50-60A/dm2, and the plating time is 10-20 minutes.

Recovery tank

Remove the plated workpiece from the plating tank and recover the plating tank.

Dismounting

Remove the anode rod from the deep hole of the plated workpiece.

Cleaning

Rinse the plated workpiece with clean water after hard chrome plating on the deep hole.

Hard Chrome Plating on Deep Hole Machining Fee Explanation

Because the process of hard chrome plating on the deep holes is relatively rare, the charging standards of various manufacturers have not been summarized into a unified rule yet, and need to be further improved.

Equipment Display for Hard Chrome Plating on Deep Hole Machining

Equipment Display for Inspection of Hard Chrome Plating on Deep Hole Machining

For hard chrome plating machining, the regular inspections include film thickness and hardness testing. The main inspection equipment includes film thickness gauges (both portable and X-ray table types), portable hardness testers, ultrasonic hardness testers, and microhardness testers.

For hard chrome plating on deep holes, dimensional inspection is often required. In general, a 50-100mm internal diameter dial gauge is used for inspection.

Sample Cases for Hard Chrome Plating on of Deep Hole Machining

Here are some sample cases for hard chrome plating on the deep hole machining

Hydraulic cylinder

Hard chrome plating on the hydraulic cylinders provides wear and corrosion-resistant protection, which prolongs the service life of the cylinder.

Gun barrel

Hard chrome plating on the gun barrels improves the surface hardness and wear resistance, which reduces the erosion of the barrel and extends its life.

Oil drilling equipment

Hard chrome plating on the oil drilling equipment improves the surface hardness and wear resistance, which enhances the performance and longevity of the equipment.

Printing rollers

Hard chrome plating on the printing rollers can enhance the hardness and wear resistance, resulting in longer service life and improved printing quality.

Precision mechanical parts

Hard chrome plating on the precision mechanical parts provides corrosion and wear-resistant protection, which ensures their accuracy and prolongs their life.

Hard Chrome Plating

Brief Introduction toHard Chrome Plating Process

The process of hard chrome plating is similar to regular chrome plating, as both involve applying a layer of coating to the surface. The only difference is that the coating in hard chrome plating is slightly thicker, typically exceeding 20μm. Due to the thickness of the coating, it provides the workpiece surface with high hardness, excellent corrosion resistance, strong wear resistance, and high-temperature resistance.

The commonly used types of hard chrome plating are hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) and trivalent chromium (Cr3+). Hexavalent chromium provides the best passivation effect and has self-healing properties. The price of hexavalent chromium passivation solution is slightly lower. However, hexavalent chromium is toxic and poses significant harmful effects on human health and the environment.

Trivalent chromium, on the other hand, has a higher price but lower toxicity, only about 1% of hexavalent chromium. It also provides satisfactory passivation effects. Both hexavalent and trivalent chromium can meet the requirement of less than 5% white rust in a 72-hour salt spray test.

There are slight differences between the two:

the toxicity of trivalent chromium is 1% of hexavalent chromium, which means it is less toxic and is also known as environmentally friendly plating. In addition, trivalent chromium has higher hardness, better wear resistance, and mechanical properties. Furthermore, the dispersibility and coverage of trivalent chromium are far higher than hexavalent chromium (hexavalent chromium is not suitable for parts with deep holes or blind holes as the inner part cannot be plated, while trivalent chromium can even be plated by rolling), and the deposition rate of trivalent chromium is twice that of hexavalent chromium, making it more suitable for rapid plating. However, because trivalent chromium is more sensitive to metal impurities, its range of use is not as extensive as hexavalent chromium.

Common substrates for decorative chrome plating:

Common substrates for hard chrome plating

In theory, almost all metal materials can be used for chrome plating. However, the following materials are difficult to plate (not impossible, but require different treatment in the process for different materials): steel with high carbon content (C>0.90%); steel with high silicon content (Si>1.00%); steel with high chromium (Cr) and tungsten (W) content; grey cast iron; ductile iron; magnesium; aluminum alloys containing magnesium; and if the surface of the cast steel parts is free of metal impurities and cracks, they can also be chrome plated.

Common substrates for hard chrome plating include 45 steel, 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, and Cr12 alloy tool steel, etc.

Film thickness and hardness of hard chrome plating

The film thickness of hard chrome plating is usually around 20μm, and the hardness can reach HV800-900. If there are requirements for film thickness accuracy, the film thickness of precision hard chrome plating can be controlled within 10μm. In theory, the most economical thickness for chrome plating is 30μm, at which it can provide good protection against wear and corrosion. When the chrome layer reaches 65μm, increasing the film thickness will not enhance its corrosion resistance.

Hard chrome plating is usually used as a restorative electroplating process for the surface of workpieces. In this case, the thickness of hard chrome plating can reach 200-300μm, and in some special scenarios, the thickness of chrome plating can reach 800μm (this scenario is called "cost is not a concern").

Regarding the hardness of hard chrome plating, the hardness of the chrome layer will decrease with the increase in temperature in different working environments. At room temperature, the hardness of the chrome layer can reach HV900-1000/HRC67 or higher. At a working temperature of 100°C, the hardness will decrease to 830HV/HRC64. At a working temperature of 150°C, the hardness of the chrome layer will decrease to 750HV/HRC62. When the working temperature reaches 250°C, the hardness of the chrome layer will decrease to 700HV/60HRC. When the working temperature reaches 500°C, the hardness of the chrome layer will sharply decrease.

Color of Hard Chrome Plating

Silver White!!!

Hard Chrome Plating Process Flow

Hard chrome plating process is as follows

Mechanical pretreatment (polishing)
Pre-degreasing
Hanging fixtures
Installing shielding (if local plating is required)
Degreasing
Rinsing
Rust removal
Rinsing
Anodizing
Hard chrome plating
Rinsing
Blowing water
Removing fixtures
Removing shielding

Hard Chrome Plating Processing Fee Explanation

Generally speaking, hard chrome plating is a very economical electroplating process, and the charges from chrome plating factories are generally divided into the following three types

Generally speaking, the price of decorative chrome plating is higher than that of hard chrome plating (not absolute, only based on the minimum consumption and weight-based charges).

Minimum charge:

generally between 10-20 USD;

Charge per item

the price per item still depends on the size of the workpiece and the number of workpieces in the current batch. The larger the quantity, the lower the unit price;

Charge by weight

for larger workpieces, it is generally charged at 2-5 USD per kilogram; some large steel plates, such as the workbench of large equipment, can even achieve a price of 1 USD/kg.

Hard Chrome Plating Processing: Display of Production Equipment

Hard Chrome Plating Processing: Display of Inspection Equipment

In hard chrome plating processing, the regular inspections include thickness measurement and hardness testing. The main inspection equipment includes thickness gauges (both portable and X-ray benchtop types); hardness testing equipment, including portable hardness testers, ultrasonic hardness testers, and microhardness testers.

Case of Hard Chrome Plating Processing Samples

Examples of hard chrome plating in various products

Hydraulic Rods

Hard chrome plating can provide hydraulic rods with wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant surface protection, extending their service life.

Printing Rolls

Hard chrome plating can increase the hardness and wear resistance of printing rolls, allowing them to maintain accurate patterns and quality for a longer time.

Mold Components

Hard chrome plating can increase the surface hardness and wear resistance of mold components, increase the service life of the mold, and improve the adhesion of plastic to the mold.

Aerospace Engine Parts

Hard chrome plating can provide high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosion-resistant surface protection for aerospace engine parts, improving their performance and service life.

Automotive Parts

Commonly chrome-plated automotive parts include intake valves, exhaust valves, piston rings, camshafts, oil seals, engine cylinder blocks, and more.The requirements for these products include high durability, hardness, abrasion resistance, good sealing performance, and corrosion resistance.

In addition to the examples mentioned above, hard chrome plating is also used in the manufacturing of aircraft hydraulic system components, turbine blades, bearings, and other parts to enhance their wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and fatigue life. In the metallurgical, mechanical, and petrochemical industries, hard chrome plating is commonly applied to produce tools, molds, bearings, piston rods, and other components. It also finds applications in electronics, medical equipment, textiles, printing, and various other industrial fields to meet the diverse surface hardness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance requirements across different industries.

Pearl Chrome Plating

Introduction to the Process of Pearl Chrome Plating

To be exact, pearl chrome plating is a type of electroplating adom-chrome. In terms of the process, it is similar to electroplating adom-chrome, except that an additional step of pearl nickel plating (also called sand nickel plating) is added before the final chrome plating, resulting in a milky white chrome effect. Compared to the mirror-like shine of electroplating adom-chrome, pearl chrome plating appears more textured.

There are two methods for achieving pearl chrome plating: electroplating and vacuum plating.

The Difference Between Decorative ChromePlating and Pearl Chrome Plating

The main difference between the two is in color. After pearl chrome plating, the coating is milky white, without shine, similar to a silk-like matte finish, not dazzling or eye-catching like a mirror-like shine. It is soft and comfortable, like a semi-hazy diffused state. Additionally, decorative chrome plating does not have color difference issues, while pearl chrome plating may have issues such as color difference, brightness, white spots, and white marks. It is important to note that for electroplating adom-chrome, specialized hangers should be used whenever possible.

Pearl Chrome Plating Process

The general process for pearl chrome plating on iron/steel/copper parts is as follows

Workpiece
polishing
wax removal
Hot immersion degreasing
Cathode
Anode
Electrolytic degreasing
Weak acid etching
Pre-plating alkaline copper
Acid bright copper (optional)
Bright nickel
Pearl nickel plating
Chrome plating

Workpiece
polishing
wax removal
Hot immersion degreasing
Cathode
Anode
Electrolytic degreasing
Weak acid etching
Semi-bright nickel/dull nickel
High sulfur nickel
Bright nickel
Nickel sealing (optional)
Pearl nickel plating
Chrome plating

The process for decorative chrome plating on zinc alloy is as follows

Workpiece
polishing
wax removal
Hot immersion degreasing
Cathode electrolytic degreasing
Acid pickling
Alkaline bright copper
Pyrophosphate copper (optional)
Acidic bright copper (optional)
Bright nickel
Pearl nickel plating
Chrome plating

The process for decorative chrome plating on aluminum alloy is as follows

Workpiece
polishing
wax removal
Hot immersion degreasing
Cathode
Anode
Electrolytic degreasing
Weak acid etching
First chemical zinc immersion
Zinc removal
Second chemical zinc immersion
Alkaline bright copper
Bright nickel
Pyrophosphate copper (optional)
Acidic bright copper (optional)
Bright nickel
Pearl nickel plating
Chrome plating

Pearl Chrome Plating Processing Pricing Information

The price of pearl chrome plating is similar to that of electroplating adom-chrome, as follows

Minimum Charge

Generally between 10-20 USD;

Charge per piece

For small batch sizes, the price per piece depends on the size of the workpiece and the number of workpieces in the current batch. The larger the quantity, the lower the unit price.

Charge by weight

For larger/heavier batches of workpieces, the price is generally around 2-3 USD/kg.

Pearl Chrome Plating Processing - Production Equipment Showcase

Pearl Chrome Plating Processing - Inspection Equipment Display

In pearl chrome plating processing, routine inspections include film thickness and hardness testing. The main inspection equipment includes film thickness gauges (both portable and X-ray table types) for film thickness testing, portable hardness testers, ultrasonic hardness testers, and microhardness testers for hardness testing.

Pearl Chrome Plating Processing Sample Cases

Here are some sample cases for pearl chrome plating

Motorcycle parts

Pearl chrome plating can be used on motorcycle parts to create a unique, iridescent finish that is highly durable and resistant to corrosion. Examples include handlebars, exhaust pipes, and engine covers.

Musical instruments

Pearl chrome plating can be used on brass or other metal musical instruments to create a striking, reflective finish that enhances the instrument's appearance and protects it from wear and tear. Examples include trumpet bells, saxophone bodies, and guitar hardware.

Jewelry

Pearl chrome plating can be used on metal jewelry to create a lustrous, high-shine finish that is resistant to scratches and tarnish. Examples include rings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Decorative accents

Pearl chrome plating can be used on a wide range of decorative accents, such as lamp bases, picture frames, and decorative hardware, to create a unique, eye-catching finish that is both beautiful and durable.

Automotive parts

Pearl chrome plating can also be used on automotive parts, such as rims, grilles, and emblems, to create a distinctive, high-end look that is highly resistant to corrosion and wear.

Precision Hard Chrome Plating

Introduction to the Process of Precision Hard Chrome Plating

Precision hard chrome plating is essentially the same as the process of hard chrome plating, but it requires strict control of the thickness of the chrome plating layer during the process. Typically, the error tolerance is required to be within 10μm. However, for some high-precision and ultra-small workpieces, the total thickness of the coating must be within 10μm (usually, the thickness of hard chrome plating is above 20μm). In such cases, higher requirements are placed on the process control of the plating factory and the experience of the master craftsman.

Special note: Flash chrome plating process

Flash chrome plating, also known as thin hard chrome plating or size chrome plating, is a method of obtaining a bright chrome plating layer using sulfate ions as a catalyst in a chromic acid solution. It is mainly used to improve the surface finish, transparency, hardness, high-temperature resistance, wear resistance, and prolong the service life of metal surfaces, and can also restore the size tolerance of worn parts.

Process for precision hard chrome plating:

Conventional process flow for hard chrome plating includes the following steps

Mechanical pre-treatment (polishing)
pre-degreasing
hanging the workpiece
installing masking materials (if local plating is needed)
degreasing
rinsing with water
Rust removal
rinsing with water
Anodic corrosion
hard chrome plating
rinsing with water
blowing with air
removing masking materials.

Precision Hard Chrome Plating Processing Fee Schedule

Precision hard chrome plating has very strict requirements on film thickness and precision, so there are very few factories that can do precision hard chrome plating, and the cost is much higher than ordinary chrome plating. Typically, the price for precision hard chrome plating is around twice that of regular hard chrome plating. Please refer to the prices below

Minimum charge:

generally between 10-20 US dollars;

Charge per item

the price per item still depends on the size of the workpiece and the current batch quantity. The larger the quantity, the lower the unit price;

Charge by weight

for larger workpieces, the charge is usually around 2-5 US dollars per kilogram. For some large steel plates, such as the workbench of large equipment, the price can even be as low as 1 US dollar per kilogram.

Precision Hard Chrome Plating Processing: Production Equipment Showcase.

Precision Hard Chrome Plating Processing and Inspection Equipment Display

For hard chrome plating processing, the common inspection includes film thickness measurement and hardness testing. The main inspection equipment includes film thickness gauges (portable and X-ray table type); for hardness testing, there are mainly portable hardness testers, ultrasonic hardness testers, and microhardness testers, etc.

Precision Hard Chrome Plating Processing Sample Cases

Here are some sample cases of precision hard chrome plating

Hydraulic cylinders

Precision hard chrome plating can provide hydraulic cylinders with a wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant surface protection, prolonging their service life.

Aerospace components

Precision hard chrome plating can provide aerospace components with high temperature, high pressure, and corrosion-resistant surface protection, improving their performance and service life.

Printing rollers

Precision hard chrome plating can increase the hardness and wear resistance of printing rollers, allowing them to maintain accurate patterns and quality for longer periods of time.

Injection molding components

Precision hard chrome plating can improve the surface hardness and wear resistance of injection molding components, increasing the service life of the mold and improving its adhesion to plastics.

Diesel engine components

Precision hard chrome plating can provide diesel engine components with wear resistance and corrosion protection, improving their durability and performance.