Chrome Plating Process

Chrome, an abbreviation for the metal element chromium, occurs naturally. The metal cannot be used in its solid form and therefore, in order to use chromium, it has to be melted. The uses of chromium ranges from the production of alloys and metal plating to the processing of leather and in surface treatments.

Chrome plating, also referred to as chromium electroplating, is a process of electroplating a slim layer or veneer of chromium on a metal piece. It serves as a protective layer by preventing the metal from corrosion. The layer not only gives protection against corrosion, it gives a decorative and stylish look as well. Chrome plating, if done according to the standards mentioned by a company, increases the life of the product and makes it durable even when exposed to extreme conditions. For example, the metal bumpers present on vehicles last for a long time and do not require anything more than some general maintenance. They also retain the attractive look of the vehicle. Chrome plating can be done on plastic also and for that, chrome plastic plating kits are available in the market.

There are different types of chrome plating, namely, hard chrome plating and decorative chrome plating.

Hard Chrome Plating
In hard chrome plating, the coating is very thick, almost 0.001 inches. This makes the metal highly resistant and increases its oil retention capacity but does not give a decorative look to the metal. This plating is usually applied on steel products.

Decorative Chrome Plating
This type of plating is also referred to as nickel-chrome plating, as the process includes electroplating the object with nickel before plating it with chrome. This plating is extremely thin, just a few inches. As the name suggests, this plating gives a decorative look to the metal.

Chrome plating process consists of five stages.

Stage 1:
The first step is to check if the metal on which plating will be done, is free of foreign substances.
Stage 2:
In the second stage, degreasing process is performed with the help of certain chemicals, which ensures that all the foreign material and unwanted substances are cleaned. The process also removes tiny particles and residue present on the surface of the metal.
Stage 3:
In the third stage, a number of tests are performed on the metal in order to smoothen its surface. Smoother the surface, more and long lasting is the integrity.
Stage 4:
After the surface of the metal has been smoothened, it is dipped in a vat consisting of a solution which helps in gradual warming of the metal. The metal is warmed to an optimum temperature so that chrome spreads evenly on the surface.
Stage 5:
In the fifth and final stage, the actual plating is performed. In this stage, the vat is filled with chromium components. The components are allowed to engrave the surface of the metal. According to the required thickness of the chromium plating, the metal is kept in the vat.

Well performed chrome plating process makes the metal durable in addition to giving it a lustrous and attractive look which enhances beauty and performance.