Traditional chrome plating electrically bonds a layer of metallic chromium to plastic or metal objects. The result is a very shiny surface for all of the objects to which the chrome plating is applied. There is also hard chrome plating, but this is a slightly different type of chrome plating process. The results are also very different, and if your industrial or manufacturing plant produces items with chrome on them, you may want to know more about these differences between traditional and hard chrome plating and how they affect your products.
Traditional Chrome Plating
Traditional chrome plating processes use thin layers of chromium to build up to a glossy chrome finish. The process takes slightly longer, and the chrome over time can chip and flake away. It also does not resist corrosion as easily as hard chrome plating, and may need to be redone or repaired in the not-too-distant future. Also, small errors in cleaning and preparing the substrate material can cause the chrome plating to chip and flake off sooner than expected. Most of these issues are preventable with hard chrome plating.
Hard Chrome Plating
Hard chrome plating uses the same electrical adhesion process, but the layer of chromium applied is significantly thinner, to the point where it is nearly impossible to see this layer of chrome with the naked eye. The finish appears slightly shiny to matte in appearance, depending on the "thickness" of the application. It is superior to traditional chrome plating in that it resists corrosion better, resists friction, resists high heat, and even resists scuffing and/or scoring. Its strength and durability make it an ideal choice for any metal products that will be exposed to outdoor elements or extreme indoor manufacturing conditions.
How These Differences Affect Your Products
When you develop and construct products to sell to the general public, you want them to have a certain decent level of quality. This is especially true if your factory builds items that have to have safety features to protect the consumer. Products like chrome-plated auto parts are more durable, long-lasting and effective when hard chrome plating is used, a feature which may be very attractive and highly marketable to consumers. Additionally, many companies that already use hard chrome plating are able to provide lifetime warranties on their parts or machines, a promise you cannot make with traditional chrome plating (because you know that it will not last as long).
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