Again, the copper anode is in baskets around the side of the bath, and looks almost like copper ball bearings. Again, the copper wires and weights are reattached after being removed for polishing due to the risk of being caught in the polishing wheels.
The same soaking procedure used above is then done again. Rather than water, an alkali rinse is completed before the items are dropped back into the cold cyanide at 12 volts for two minutes, and rinsed again in water. Another two-minute dip in the acid etch and another quick rinse is all the items need before they can finally make their way to a degree cyanide copper mix, in which they will sit for five minutes with 12 volts passing through them.
So far, the compounds used in the process are relatively low cost. After 60 minutes with a six-volt current, a micron coating will be applied to the item.
Often the difference between cheap chrome and good chrome is the amount of time the items sit in this bath for. The difference is noticeable to the naked eye by the depth of colour in the finished item. A rinse then removes any excess residue and prepares the item for the chrome itself, which is a comparatively cheap and quick part of the whole procedure.
Despite being orange, the chromic acid is what gives the bluish look, and after just four minutes in the bath with a volt current, a three-micron coating will be fixed to the item.
Again, the balls in the tank are there solely for insulation purposes. The tank itself is tested twice daily for correct chemical levels, brightness and condition, and is stirred throughout the day. After all, the chrome is a heavy metal, so it tends to sink to the bottom when left for long periods.
The items are then checked against the job sheet, packaged, and are ready to be collected. The time taken for the process varies according to the size, shape and complexity of the item, as does the amount of voltage used in various stages. Whether the job is a s bumper or a safety pin, it still has to go through all the plating processes, there are no short cuts.
The only way to know how long each item requires is by having years of experience and practice. George himself has been in the game for 36 years, and some of his staff have been with him for almost as long, making them quite possibly part of the most knowledgeable team around.
With so many different processes — and so much attention to detail required, you can only imagine the reaction when customers walk in thinking they can wait while their parts are chromed a daily occurrence according to Anita, the manager at APC. The reality is, the process is as involved, if not more so, than painting a vehicle. And likewise, you get what you pay for. A low-cost job most likely indicates steps are being missed along the way, or steps are being rushed through to cut cost.
Like repairing steel bumpers, the process of fixing dented and scuffed trim is a time-consuming one, requiring a great amount of skill. Each individual dent is pressed out, and slowly the metal is massaged back into shape.
The perfect example of what can be achieved is the trim on these wheel spats. All the stainless trim on the Cadillac took around eight hours to straighten and repair; thankfully most of it was in good condition. Once repaired, the items are polished using the same techniques as in the chroming process, with finer and finer compounds used towards the end of the process.
The result is an almost mirror-like finish, which is as good as if not better than new. Thanks to George and the team at Advanced Plating and Polishing Services for their help with this article. You can find out more, and view pictures and videos of the plating process, at plating. For more information about them, check out their details below.
We have helped in the restoration process on many cars and motorcycles over the years. Often a load of parts need to be replated. The bumpers, grille, headlights, hubcaps, and various interior trim parts were chromed. This car was rebuilt from top to bottom, no stone was left unturned. The chrome work was one piece of an interesting challenge.
On a vintage or classic car, the chrome trim is usually one of its defining features. A good panel beater is just as important as having a good chromer, as any imperfections will show in the chromed finish. We evaluate the parts being chromed and will repair or restore them if needed, before sending them off to the chromer. It's previously replated all the fittings and bumpers on a client's vast array of Jaguars, and has worked with multiple car-restoration companies, and Australian and New Zealand marine-fitting and tow-bar suppliers.
The team knows you're the ones that get the word out if you're happy with their work, so they always provide a top-notch job. Durable chrome plating meant for outdoor exposure should have a minimum of two layers of nickel plating before the chrome plating is applied.
Chrysler developed a test that is used by large shops each day to make certain that the chrome plating has the correct protections. Restoration shops that only offer single-layer nickel plating must apply it in a very heavy layer in order to guarantee corrosion resistance.
Chrome plating involves a long and complex process, beginning with buffing, polishing, cleaning, dipping in acid, adding zinc and copper plating. For show chrome, the process is finished by re-buffing, cleaning and re-dipping, plating added copper, two to three types of nickel plating and finally, the chrome plating.
The item is rinsed between each step. Re-chroming a part involves stripping away the old chrome, nickel and copper. Then, the part is polished to remove all of the blemishes and scratches before plating it with copper, buffing to force the copper into tiny pits and then doing the previously described steps.
This means when you re-plate an old piece, it can cost several times the amount a replacement part would cost. Old parts must instead be processed one at a time. Chrome plating that blisters or peels is almost always a defect of the manufacturing process caused by poor adhesion of the chrome plating to the surface. Chrome-plating shops have a difficult time getting good adhesion on certain surface materials such as alloy wheels.
If your chrome peels, then you should file a complaint. Chrome plating requires professional work in a shop. There are regulations that control chrome plating because of the toxic acid baths that are used. This means that all of the waste from the process is regulated.
It is best to not attempt it. You will have trouble finding places to dispose of the waste, including any dilute water that is used. You are also responsible for the waste even if you are able to find a facility if it later poisons the ground or the water. Chrome plating uses very high concentrations of chromic acid.
This is the same toxic chemical that made Erin Brockovich famous. If you were to use it and then someone nearby developed cancer, you could be sued. Shops that use it must undergo exhaust scrubbing and are subject to daily monitoring. The workers have to frequently undergo blood testing to check for absorbed chromium. Chromic acid leaches into the ground very easily and into the aquifer. It is visible at a concentration of 1 part per million, and all of the water supplies and wells are monitored for it.
This means that if you illegally dispose of it, you are likely to be caught. Most municipalities have bans in place on chrome plating.
It is also known for hydrogen embrittlement, which can turn hardened steel parts into brittle, glass-like substances. On top of all this, many city councils have a written or de facto ban on chrome plating. The risks are simply not worth it. Plus, you have an excellent alternative with PChrome spray chrome, which can give you the same durability and look as chrome plating but without all of the associated dangers, expense and time. Spray chrome is an excellent alternative to traditional chrome plating.
Hard chrome plating is an electroplating process that involves applying a layer of chromium to a surface by submerging it in a chromic acid solution. Hard chrome plating can increase the durability, hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of metal components for more effective use in machinery and equipment.
It is possible to apply chrome plating without altering the properties of the original component, and deposit it in the precise thickness necessary for a specific application.
Hard chrome plating creates a surface that is very hard Rockwell C , highly wear and corrosion resistant, has a low coefficient of friction, and very smooth and easy to clean. Here are some of the benefits of hard chrome plating and the desirable properties it offers. These benefits of commercial chrome plating can enhance the existing properties of metal components for more effective use in many industrial applications. Companies can maximize the beneficial properties of their hard chrome plating by adjusting the thickness of the plating for increased hardness and durability.
Through different chrome finishing techniques, hard chrome plating can provide the precise benefits a project requires. Decorative chrome plating is primarily an aesthetic feature, though it also protects against corrosion and wear. However, because decorative chrome is so thin — ranging from about five to eight micrometers when applied over nickel plating — it does not offer as much durability as hard chrome plating.
If you find yourself asking, "How long does decorative chrome plating last? Here are the primary benefits of decorative chrome plating. For applications where aesthetics and function are essential, decorative chrome plating can work well. Attractive and corrosion-resistant decorative chrome can enhance many consumer goods.
Decorative chrome plating offers exceptional aesthetic appeal, while hard chrome plating provides superior strength and hardness, low friction and lasting durability. Both types of chrome plating are useful for different applications, and the best plating method for you will depend on your unique project needs.
For consumer goods, decorative chrome plating can provide the necessary protection and desired appearance, while hard chrome plating is better-suited for high-stress industrial applications. If your project requires durable metal plating, Hard Chrome Specialists can provide high-quality hard chrome plating to meet your needs.
Hard Chrome Specialists is a leader in industrial chrome plating, and we use our expertise to deliver top-quality hard chrome plating for any application. Because we perform our chrome plating in-house, we have precise control over the quality of your final product. To learn more about hard chrome plating from Hard Chrome Specialists, contact us today.
The Difference Between Hard Chrome and Decorative Chrome Finishes The primary difference between decorative chrome and hard chrome plating is the thickness of the chrome plating on the final product. Common Applications of Hard Chrome Plating A variety of industrial applications use hard chrome plating to increase the wear and corrosion resistance of equipment components.
The strength and durability of hard chrome plating make it extremely beneficial in a variety of applications, such as: Hydraulic cylinders Piston rings Rotors and shafts for pumps Molds, dies and other forms Rollers and bearings Valves and gates Compressors Press punches Lathe beds Mechanical and automotive parts Agriculture equipment Mining equipment Paper and timber equipment Textile and printing components Food and beverage equipment Hard chrome plating can benefit nearly any machine component or part.
Common Applications of Decorative Chrome Plating Decorative chrome plating has more limited applications than hard chrome plating, but serves an essential role in many industries. Car parts: Decorative chrome plating is a feature of many car parts such as bumpers, trim, rocker panels, door handles and grills. Applying decorative chrome plating increases the corrosion resistance of these parts so they will not rust when exposed to rain or snow. Decorative chrome also allows various finishing and buffing options to increase its shine and aesthetic appeal.
Tools: Many tools and hardware — such as wrenches, pliers, sockets and hex keys — get finished with decorative chrome plating to improve their durability and wear resistance. Tools with chrome plating are suitable for use in harsh environments without damage.
Kitchen utensils: Decorative chrome plating can apply to metal kitchen utensils — such as spatulas, tongs, knives, spoons and forks — to increase their corrosion and heat resistance. Kitchen utensils with chrome plating are easy to clean and provide durability for long-term use.
Shiny chrome kitchen utensils also offer aesthetic appeal for home cooks and chefs alike. Musical instrument hardware: Hardware for guitars, clarinets and other musical instruments sometimes receive a thin coating of decorative chrome plating for enhanced appearance and durability. What Is Hard Chrome Plating? Superior hardness: Hard chrome plating is harder than most other industrial abrasives and metallic coatings.
Measuring between 68 and 72 HRC , hard chrome plating can withstand demanding industrial applications and high stresses. Although decorative chrome plating technically possesses the same hardness as hard chrome plating — because it gets engineered with the same material and manufacturing process — decorative chrome is so thin it does not exhibit the same hardness properties in actual use.
Durable thickness: Depending on the specific application, it is possible to apply hard chrome plating in various thicknesses to meet the project needs.
Hard chrome plating between 10 and micrometers will provide a hardness of about 68 to 69 HRC.
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