Hard chrome plating

Hard chrome plating is a special process in surface technology that aims to provide workpieces with an extremely hard, resistant chrome coating. This method is used in various branches of industry, particularly for components that are exposed to high mechanical loads.

The process of hard chrome plating begins with the preparation of the workpiece, which is cleaned and immersed in an electrolytic bath. The chromium layer is deposited on the workpiece in this electrolyte. During the electrolytic process, the chromium is deposited from a chromium(VI)-containing solution onto the surface of the workpiece.

The special aspect of hard chrome plating lies in the structure and properties of the chrome layer produced. This layer has a significantly higher hardness compared to conventional chrome plating. This is achieved by carefully controlling the process parameters, such as current density and temperature in the electrolyte.

The hard chrome layer created by hard chrome plating offers a number of advantages. It is characterized by high wear resistance, corrosion resistance and hardness, which is particularly important in applications with high mechanical loads. Workpieces that have been hard chrome-plated are used, for example, in the mechanical engineering industry, hydraulic cylinders, rollers, piston rods and other components that have to withstand extreme stresses.

In addition, hard chrome plating can also help to reduce surface roughness and thus further minimize signs of friction and wear. This makes it a preferred method for the surface finishing of components that place high demands on their performance and service life.