What is the process of Hard Chrome Plating?

Hard chrome plating is a process in which a layer of chromium is applied to a surface to improve corrosion and abrasion resistance, reduce friction, and extend the life of parts used in extreme wear conditions.

Hard chrome plating demonstrates excellent hardness and lubricity, and is the premier engineering choice to reduce friction, minimize wear and prevent galling. These characteristics are applicable for critical engineering applications, including: machine tool cutting surfaces, cylinder bores, strut rods, crankshafts and hydraulic shafts. Hard chrome is also applied to molds because of its low surface energy and resultant release properties. Chem Processing can hard chrome plate steel, aluminum, or copper materials, as well as many exotic alloys.

Hydraulic cylinder rods, bearing fits and seal areas frequently get damaged and worn from heavy use. When no longer functional, a part can be hard chrome plated and polished or ground back to OEM Spec. This process can be repeated multiple times reducing equipment downtime and substantial replacement costs.