Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Chrome Plating shopping experience:
1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Chrome Plating offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Chrome Plating at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.
2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about
3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Chrome Plating? Wrong! If the Chrome Plating is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.
4. Questions - Got a question about Chrome Plating then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....
5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Chrome Plating? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Chrome Plating and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.
6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Chrome Plating wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.
7. Feedback - happy with your Chrome Plating then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.
8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Chrome Plating site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site
9. Contact - got a question about Chrome Plating, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.
10. Payment - ready to pay for your Chrome Plating, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.
Chromium plating solutions
There are two types of chromium plating: industrial and decorative. Industrial chromium plating is also referred to as Hard Chrome or Engineered Chrome. There are two types of Industrial chrome plating solutions:
Hexavalent chromium baths whose main ingredient is chromic anhydride.
Trivalent chromium baths whose main ingredient is chromium sulfate or chromium chloride. Trivalent chromium baths are not yet common, due to restrictions concerning color, brittleness, and plating thickness.
Typical bath composition and operation of the hexavalent bath
- Chromic acid (CrO3): 225–300 g/l.
- Sulfuric acid: 2.25–3.0 g/l, Although it is measured in molarity or % concentration and not g/l.
- Operating temperature: 45 to 60 °C.
- Plating current: 1.55–3.10 kiloamperes per square meter direct current.
- Maximum superimposed alternating current ripple allowed is 18%, preferred ripple is 5% to 10%.
- Anodes: lead with up to 7% tin or antimony.
- Chromium may be stripped anodically in an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide or inhibited Hydrochloric acid.
Typical plating process
The component will generally go through these different stages.
- Degreasing to remove heavy soiling.
- Manual cleaning to remove all residual traces of dirt and surface impurities.
- Component placed on a jig or rack.
- Various pretreatments depending on the substrate.
- Placed into the chrome plating vat and allowed to warm to solution temperature.
- Plating current applied and component is left for the required time to attain thickness.
There are many variations to this process depending on the type of substrate being plated upon. Different etching solutions are used for different substrates. Hydrochloric, Hydroflouric, and Sulphuric acids can be used, and ferric chloride is also popular for the etching of Nimonic alloys. Sometimes the component will enter the chrome plating vat electrically live. Sometimes the component will have a conforming anode either made from lead/tin or platinized titanium. A typical hard chrome vat will plate at about 25 micrometres (0.001 inches) per hour. To put that into perspective a human hair is between 50 to 100 micrometres.
Quality requirements
Hard chromium layers (over 10 micrometres) can be used in various applications and consequently subject to different types of quality requirements. Hard chromium layers on piston rods of hydraulic cylinders are tested on corrosion resistance in salt spray cabinets. Because these are destructive tests, only representative sample material can be tested. The salt spray solutions and the conditions in the cabinet are normed as well as the evaluation of the result after the test. The duration of the test is depending the agressivity of the test and the standard the industry has developed for this type of materials. Typically for engineering purposes the hardness value will be between 800 - 1000 HV500 when subject to a Vickers hardness test. In general there is a requirement that the deposit be uniform in thickness on all surfaces, and should be smooth, homogeneous and free from frosty areas, pin holes, pits, nodules, and other defects.
See also
Chromium plating solutions
There are two types of chromium plating: industrial and decorative. Industrial chromium plating is also referred to as Hard Chrome or Engineered Chrome. There are two types of Industrial chrome plating solutions:
Hexavalent chromium baths whose main ingredient is chromic anhydride.
Trivalent chromium baths whose main ingredient is chromium sulfate or chromium chloride. Trivalent chromium baths are not yet common, due to restrictions concerning color, brittleness, and plating thickness.
Typical bath composition and operation of the hexavalent bath
- Chromic acid (CrO3): 225–300 g/l.
- Sulfuric acid: 2.25–3.0 g/l, Although it is measured in molarity or % concentration and not g/l.
- Operating temperature: 45 to 60 °C.
- Plating current: 1.55–3.10 kiloamperes per square meter direct current.
- Maximum superimposed alternating current ripple allowed is 18%, preferred ripple is 5% to 10%.
- Anodes: lead with up to 7% tin or antimony.
- Chromium may be stripped anodically in an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide or inhibited Hydrochloric acid.
Typical plating process
The component will generally go through these different stages.
- Degreasing to remove heavy soiling.
- Manual cleaning to remove all residual traces of dirt and surface impurities.
- Component placed on a jig or rack.
- Various pretreatments depending on the substrate.
- Placed into the chrome plating vat and allowed to warm to solution temperature.
- Plating current applied and component is left for the required time to attain thickness.
There are many variations to this process depending on the type of substrate being plated upon. Different etching solutions are used for different substrates. Hydrochloric, Hydroflouric, and Sulphuric acids can be used, and ferric chloride is also popular for the etching of Nimonic alloys. Sometimes the component will enter the chrome plating vat electrically live. Sometimes the component will have a conforming anode either made from lead/tin or platinized titanium. A typical hard chrome vat will plate at about 25 micrometres (0.001 inches) per hour. To put that into perspective a human hair is between 50 to 100 micrometres.
Quality requirements
Hard chromium layers (over 10 micrometres) can be used in various applications and consequently subject to different types of quality requirements. Hard chromium layers on piston rods of hydraulic cylinders are tested on corrosion resistance in salt spray cabinets. Because these are destructive tests, only representative sample material can be tested. The salt spray solutions and the conditions in the cabinet are normed as well as the evaluation of the result after the test. The duration of the test is depending the agressivity of the test and the standard the industry has developed for this type of materials. Typically for engineering purposes the hardness value will be between 800 - 1000 HV500 when subject to a Vickers hardness test. In general there is a requirement that the deposit be uniform in thickness on all surfaces, and should be smooth, homogeneous and free from frosty areas, pin holes, pits, nodules, and other defects.
See also
Hard Chrome Plating
Plating on a variety of metals including steel, brass, copper and stainless steel.
Hard Chrome Plating
Unit 195 Boughton Industrial Estate Newark Nottinghamshire NG22 9LD Telephone/Fax: (01623) 862314 Email: sales@hardchromeplating.co.uk
Chrome plating - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chrome plating is a technique of electroplating a thin layer of chromium onto a metal object. The chromed layer can be decorative, or it may help provide corrosion resistance.
Advanced Plating. Chrome Plating and Powder Coating
World's best chrome and powder coating. ... We gladly accept Visa and MasterCard All prices subject to change without notice
Nottingham Chrome Platers - Chrome Plating UK
Nottingham Platers specialists in chrome plating. ... Southwark Street Basford Nottingham NG6 0DB Tel: 0115 978 4637 Fax: 0115 978 9754
Hard Chrome Plating and Grinding, UK - Neville Roe Industries Ltd
A company specialising in hard chromium plating and surface grinding, capable of handling flats, edges and hydraulic rods. Also offers polishing services.
Hard Chrome Plating - Neville Roe Industries Ltd
UK based company specialising in hard chrome plating and surface grinding, capable of handling flats, edges and hydraulic rods. Also offers polishing services.
Chrome Plating
INTRODUCTION TO THE CHROME PLATING PROCESS. Chrome plating is not difficult providing the part has been properly cleansed and the following requirements met:
Chrome plating
Chrome Plating Glossary Nickel/Chromium. Bright Chromium does not exist in its own right. A deposit of nickel is required prior to any chromium application.
Chrome Plating, Zinc Plating, Anodising Specialists - UK and Ireland
Electro platers and anodisers providing bright zinc plating, nickel plating, nickel chrome plating, chrome on aluminium and anodising. Company profile, details of finishes and ...
