Chromium plating, often simply called chrome plating, is an electroplating process that deposits a thin layer of the element chromium onto a metal object.
Types and Purpose
The primary goal of chromium plating is to enhance the surface properties of the base material:
- Decorative Chromium: This type uses an extremely thin, brilliant layer applied over a nickel base. Its purpose is purely aesthetic, providing a highly reflective, lustrous finish common on consumer goods, tools, and automotive trim, while offering decent corrosion resistance.
- Hard Chromium (Industrial): This application deposits a much thicker layer directly onto components like engine cylinders, rollers, and gears. Its purpose is functional, dramatically increasing the surface hardness, wear resistance, and abrasion resistance, thus extending the operational lifespan of critical industrial machinery.
The process involves submerging the object in a chromic acid electrolyte and applying an electric current, ensuring a durable, metallurgically bonded coating.